Activated carbon-CuS quantum dot hybrids: a novel pathway toward enhanced solar energy harvesting

Maximizing the optimal and maximum utilization of solar light is the primary aim and focus of photovoltaics. While UV and visible light-active photocatalysts have been thoroughly examined, the utilization of the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength of solar radiation remains mostly unexplored. The facile hydrothermal approach is used to produce high-quality carbon doped CuS/AC quantum dots. These exhibit exceptional physicochemical and optical characteristics, including broad spectrum absorption, efficient charge carrier extraction, rapid charge carrier transport, and tunable emission. The CuS/AC quantum dots are included in the quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) architecture to enhance performance. The impact of synthesized CuS/AC as a sensitizer, co-sensitizer, and co-photoactive layers were examined within the QDSSCs framework. A photo conversion efficiency of 1.8132% and a photocurrent density of 3.2650 mA/cm 2 are attained during one sun irradiation when CuS/Activated Carbon (AC) (75% of activated carbon) is employed as a co-photoactive layer. This study emphasizes the promise of CQDs for the sustainable fabrication of nanomaterials and energy conversion applications, providing a scalable and eco-friendly option for CQD synthesis.