Optimization of Light-Harvesting Capacity in CNT–La2O3 Photoanodes for Enhanced DSSC Efficiency via Cerium and Cobalt Ion Embedding in CNT–La1.5Ce0.5O3 and CNT–La1.0Ce0.5Co0.5O3 Quantum Dots

IF 2.5 4区工程技术 Q3 ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC

Journal of Electronic Materials Pub Date : 2025-09-11 DOI:10.1007/s11664-025-12379-4

D. Sengeni, B. Uthayakumar, S. Sukandhiya, V. Suganthi, B. J. Kalaiselvi, P. Siva Karthik

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Abstract

The present study focuses on the synthesis and optimization of the physicochemical properties of carbon nanotube-doped lanthanum oxide (CNT–La₂O₃) quantum dot-based photoanodes by incorporating cerium and cobalt ions to enhance the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Three quantum dot-based photoanodes were fabricated: (i) CNT–La₂O₃, (ii) cerium-doped CNT–La₂O₃ (CNT–La_1.5Ce_0.5O₃), and (iii) cerium and cobalt co-doped CNT–La₂O₃ (CNT–La_1.0Ce_0.5Co_0.5O₃). These materials were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates using the chemical bath deposition method. x-Ray diffraction analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of cerium (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺) and cobalt (Co²⁺/Co³⁺) ions into the CNT–La₂O₃ matrix, leading to structural distortion and enhanced crystallinity. Atomic force microscopy revealed that CNT–La₂O₃ provided a well-balanced surface morphology, ensuring consistent charge transport and improved dye adherence. The incorporation of Ce ions increased defect density and surface roughness, facilitating higher dye-loading capacity and improved light scattering. In addition, cobalt ion inclusion contributed to anisotropic features and localized electronic heterogeneity, optimizing electron pathways. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy revealed red shifts in absorption edges, suggesting enhanced photon harvesting in the visible spectrum. A sequential reduction in bandgap across the series further demonstrated the pivotal role of Ce and Co in modulating the electronic structure of CNT–La₂O₃. DSSCs fabricated with CNT–La_1.0Ce_0.5Co_0.5O₃ exhibited the highest photon conversion efficiency of 12.50%, outperforming other configurations. This enhanced performance is attributed to optimized bandgap engineering by cerium (4f orbital) and cobalt (3d orbital) ions in the CNT–La₂O₃ matrix, leading to improved electron transport and suppressed charge recombination. The findings highlight the potential of CNT–La_1.0Ce_0.5Co_0.5O₃ quantum dots for advanced solar cell applications.

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通过在CNT-La1.5Ce0.5O3和CNT-La1.0Ce0.5Co0.5O3量子点中嵌入铈和钴离子，优化CNT-La2O3光阳极的光收集能力以提高DSSC效率

本研究主要研究了碳纳米管掺杂氧化镧（CNT-La2O3）量子点光电阳极的合成和物理化学性能的优化，通过加入铈和钴离子来提高染料敏化太阳能电池（DSSCs）的效率。制备了三种基于量子点的光阳极：(i) CNT-La2O3, （ii）铈掺杂CNT-La2O3 (CNT-La1.5Ce0.5O3), （iii）铈钴共掺杂CNT-La2O3 （CNT-La1.0Ce0.5Co0.5O3）。这些材料采用化学浴沉积法沉积在氟掺杂氧化锡（FTO）衬底上。x射线衍射分析证实，铈（Ce3+/Ce4+）和钴（Co2+/Co3+）离子成功掺入到CNT-La2O3基体中，导致结构畸变和结晶度增强。原子力显微镜显示，CNT-La2O3提供了良好平衡的表面形态，确保一致的电荷传输和改善染料粘附性。Ce离子的掺入增加了缺陷密度和表面粗糙度，促进了更高的染料负载能力和改善的光散射。此外，钴离子包裹体有助于材料的各向异性和局域电子非均质性，优化了电子路径。紫外可见（UV-Vis）光谱显示吸收边缘的红移，表明可见光谱中的光子收获增强。带隙的连续减小进一步证明了Ce和Co在调节CNT-La2O3电子结构中的关键作用。用CNT-La1.0Ce0.5Co0.5O3制备的DSSCs的光子转换效率最高，达到12.50%，优于其他结构。这种增强的性能归因于CNT-La2O3基体中铈（4f轨道）和钴（3d轨道）离子优化的带隙工程，从而改善了电子传递和抑制了电荷重组。这一发现突出了CNT-La1.0Ce0.5Co0.5O3量子点在先进太阳能电池应用中的潜力。

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来源期刊

Journal of Electronic Materials 工程技术-材料科学：综合

CiteScore

4.10

自引率

4.80%

发文量

693

审稿时长

3.8 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Electronic Materials (JEM) reports monthly on the science and technology of electronic materials, while examining new applications for semiconductors, magnetic alloys, dielectrics, nanoscale materials, and photonic materials. The journal welcomes articles on methods for preparing and evaluating the chemical, physical, electronic, and optical properties of these materials. Specific areas of interest are materials for state-of-the-art transistors, nanotechnology, electronic packaging, detectors, emitters, metallization, superconductivity, and energy applications. Review papers on current topics enable individuals in the field of electronics to keep abreast of activities in areas peripheral to their own. JEM also selects papers from conferences such as the Electronic Materials Conference, the U.S. Workshop on the Physics and Chemistry of II-VI Materials, and the International Conference on Thermoelectrics. It benefits both specialists and non-specialists in the electronic materials field. A journal of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.