Ion-exchange synthesis and improved photovoltaic performance of CdS/Ag2S heterostructures for inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells

A facile ultrasound-assisted ion exchange route was developed for the synthesis of CdS/Ag2S heterojunctions by ion exchange between the nanostructured CdS film and [Ag(NH3)2]+ under ultrasonication. The CdS/Ag2S heterojunction film was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis DRS spectroscopy, photoelectrochemical measurements, and the transient photovoltage (TPV) technique. CdSAg2S heterojunctions exhibit a dense morphology, enhanced visible light absorption and stronger photocurrent response than the pure CdS films. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) was then spin coated into the CdS/Ag2S framework. Hybrid solar cells constructed with FTO/CdS/Ag2S/P3HT/Au display relatively higher power conversion efficiency than FTO/CdS/P3HT/Au. A facile ultrasound-assisted ion exchange route was developed for the synthesis of CdS/Ag2S heterojunctions by ion exchange between the CdS nanostructured film and [Ag(NH3)2]+ under ultrasonication. Hybrid solar cells constructed with FTO/CdS/Ag2S/P3HT/Au display relatively higher power conversion efficiency than FTO/CdS/P3HT/Au. [Display omitted] •Facile ultrasound-assisted ion exchange method was developed for the fabrication of CdS/Ag2S thin films.•Hybrid solar cells were constructed with FTO/CdS/Ag2S/P3HT/Au.•The solar cell displays relatively higher power conversion efficiency than that of FTO/CdS/P3HT/Au.