Template synthesis and photovoltaic application of CdS nanotube arrays

CdS nanotubes were synthesized by using ZnO nanowires as a template. The light harvesting, carrier transport and power conversion efficiency were investigated on solar cells composed of CdS nanotubes. The results indicate that the solar cells composed of CdS nanotubes can achieve higher short-circuit current, fill factor and overall conversion efficiency than a traditional one-dimensional ZnO/CdS nanocable structure, attributing to the large surface area of the nanotubes. The unique tubular morphology allows CdS nanocrytals to soak electrolyte adequately, which facilitates hole transportation and depresses electron–hole recombination