Tuning photoresponse through size distribution control of silicon quantum dots

► We present a novel strategy to maximize the photoresponse through size distribution control of the Si quantum dots. ► We take advantage of the inherent size distribution to provide a marked improvement of light harvest for the potential application in quantum dot rainbow solar cells. ► We show that there is a tradeoff between the absorption enhancement and tunneling loss for the photocurrent intensity in Si quantum dots. ► We develop a new approach for maximizing light energy conversion with relative simple and low cost manufacturing process. We report a detailed experimental and theoretical investigation on the photocurrent characteristics of nanocrystalline Si thin films, with the emphasis on the effect of Si dot size distribution. Broader photocurrent response has been observed in Si quantum dots with larger size dispersion due to the improvement of light harvest. As a result of tunneling loss in the expanded energy distribution, we have demonstrated that there is a tradeoff between the absorption enhancement and reduced transport for the photocurrent intensity. The present work opens new strategy to maximize the photoresponse through size distribution control for quantum dot solar cell application.