All spray pyrolysis deposited CdS sensitized ZnO films for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

Graphical abstract: Display Omitted Research highlights: → Solar cells based on CdS quantum dot sensitized ZnO photoanode are fabricated. → Both ZnO and CdS are prepared using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. → Good contact is formed between CdS and ZnO to facilitate the electron transfer. → As-prepared cell achieves maximally a power conversion efficiency of 1.54%. - Abstract: Sensitized-type solar cells based on ZnO photoanode and CdS quantum dots (QDs) as sensitizers have been fabricated. Both ZnO films and CdS QDs are prepared using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) deposition technique. This method allows a facile and rapid deposition and integration between CdS QDs and ZnO films without the need for post thermal treatment. The photovoltaic performances of the cells are investigated. The results show that the performance of the cell based on all USP deposited CdS sensitized ZnO photoanode achieves maximally a short circuit current density of 6.99 mA cm-2 and a power conversion efficiency of 1.54%.