Trigonal pyramidal CuInSe₂ nanocryastals derived by a new method for photovoltaic applications

Copper indium selenide (CuInSe₂) nanocrystals with trigonal pyramidal shape are synthesized by a two-step process for photovoltaic applications. Structural, morphological and optical properties of the as-synthesized CuInSe₂ nanocrystals are characterized by using powder X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. Results indicate that the monodispersed nanocrystals show a single phase polycrystalline and the size of the trigonal pyramid is in the range of 10-12nm, and the average composition ratio of the Cu/In/Se is measured to be 1.0:1.2:2.0. It is also investigated that the size and morphology of the CuInSe₂ nanocrystals can be tuned through a manipulation of the reaction time. Under an illumination of the simulated AM 1.5, the as-fabricated hybrid solar cell based on the P3HT/CuInSe₂ nanocrystals blends exhibits a promising open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.42V and its energy conversion efficiency is as 3 times as that of the solar cell fabricated by only the naked P3HT polymer.