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

Edwin Bogdan¹, Leo Weise¹ and Thomas Waitz^1,

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

Cite this paper:
Edwin Bogdan, Leo Weise and 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

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.

Keywords:
carbon quantum dots solar cells

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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