CoS nanorod arrays with different lenghth used in CdS sensitized ZnO solar cells

Well aligned CoS NRAs with different length have been grown on ITO substrates by a simple chemical method without any catalyst. The morphology properties of the as grown CoS nanostructures were investigated by SEM and TEM images. From the SEM results measured from the tilt-view, with the reaction time increasing, the length of CoS nanorods increased. However these CoS(6) NRAs partially aggregated, which will decrease the surface area of CoS NRAs. The optimized photovoltaic performance with a Voc of 0.66 V, a Jsc of 1.96 mA/cm2, an FF of 0.43, and a η of 0.64 % is obtained from the device based on CoS(4) ANRAs electrode. Although the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) with CoS NRAs show smaller η values than that of the QDSSC with sputtered Pt counter electrode, the CoS material will be an efficient alternative for the Pt electrode due to its excellent catalytic ability and low cost.