Porous ZnO as a novel encapsulation matrix for quantum dot based luminescent down-shifting films

In an effort to find an alternative way of incorporating quantum dot (QD) based luminescent down-shifting (LDS) films into photovoltaic (PV) devices, transparent (at long wavelength) zinc oxide (ZnO) films have been grown by chemical bath deposition (CBD) to form novel encapsulation matrices for QD based LDS films. The ZnO films appear to be stoichiometric (Zn:O) and meso-porous as characterised by energy dispersive x-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy. QDs have been loaded into the films for varying lengths of time (24–72h) resulting in measureable fluorescence upon excitation with a blue LED. [Display omitted] •ZnO films were grown via CBD as an inorganic host to LDS materials.•ZnO is transparent at long wavelengths so should not affect device performance.•The ZnO films were meso-porous and characterised via SEM and EDX.•QDs have been loaded into the films for varying lengths of time (24–72h).•Fluorescence was measured, proving the QDs were successfully loaded in the ZnO.