Solar cells and photodetectors rely on similar physical principles based on the interaction of light and matter. Both types of optoelectronic devices are indispensable in a wide range of technological applications, from large-scale renewable power conversion to everyday consumer items. In this thesis, the use of facile solution-processable semiconductors in solar cells and light sensors is studied with a focus on antimony sulfide (Sb₂S₃) and antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI). The improvement of the photovoltaic performance in Sb₂S₃ sensitized solar cells upon the controlled partial oxidation of the absorber layer is investigated. A reduction in charge carrier recombination is the reason for the improved efficiency, caused by the oxidation process. Further, a new chemical bath deposition method for antimony sulfide is developed. Carried out at room temperature, this technique eliminates the necessity of cooling equipment during the deposition process. The antimony sulfide from this method decreases the density of trap states compared to the conventional deposition. Power-conversion efficiencies of up to η=5.1% are achieved in antimony sulfide sensitised solar cells using the new room temperature deposition method. Finally, antimony sulfide is used as a precursor to form films of antimony sulfoiodide (SbSI) micro-crystals in a facile physical vapour process. These films are then used to fabricate photodetectors. With PMMA as an insulating spacer layer, the devices are built in a sandwich-type architecture. Optoelectronic characterisation shows that these devices have the shortest response and recovery times reported for SbSI photodetectors to date.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:725633 |
| Date | January 2017 |
| Creators | Goedel, Karl Christoph |
| Contributors | Baumberg, Jeremy ; Steiner, Ullrich |
| Publisher | University of Cambridge |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/268085 |
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