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Smith, Y.R.; Crone, E. and Subramanian, V., "A Simple Photocell To Demonstrate Solar Energy Using Benign Household Ingredients," Journal of Chemical Education, 90(10), September 2013.

has been cited by the following article:

Article

Green and Facile Fabrication of Carbon Quantum Dot-Based Solar Cells

1Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Göttingen, Germany


World Journal of Chemical Education. 2025, Vol. 13 No. 3, 48-53
DOI: 10.12691/wjce-13-3-2
Copyright © 2025 Science and Education Publishing

Cite this paper:
Edwin Bogdan, Leo Weise, Thomas Waitz. Green and Facile Fabrication of Carbon Quantum Dot-Based Solar Cells. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2025; 13(3):48-53. doi: 10.12691/wjce-13-3-2.

Correspondence to: Thomas  Waitz, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Göttingen, Germany. Email: twaitz@gwdg.de

Abstract

CQDs have emerged in recent years as a promising topic within nanotechnology due to their presumed high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and ability to absorb near-UV light. These properties make them attractive candidates for solar energy applications. In this contribution, we present the synthesis of CQDs via a simple bottom-up process using sucrose as a readily available and non-toxic precursor. Based on this material, we introduce the first CQD-based solar cell specifically designed for educational purposes. Our experiments enable learners not only to engage in the synthesis of nanomaterials, but also to explore their application by measuring solar cell key performance parameters such as open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. Furthermore, the use of renewable carbon sources and environmentally benign synthesis conditions emphasizes the potential of CQDs as sustainable materials for green energy technologies.

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