Semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) dispersed in optically transparent metal oxides have promising applications for optical switching, optical filters, waveguides and solar cells. Optical losses in thin film solar cells arise e.g. from reflections at interfaces where dielectric discontinuities may be significant, such as at the interface between glass and transparent conducting oxide (TCO) or between the TCO and semiconductor NC layers. Advanced optical engineering approaches like the incorporation of semiconductor NCs into the TCO are necessary to minimize such losses. A few works have been performed on the incorporation of CdSe and/or CdTe NCs into SiO₂, TiO₂ and SiO₂-ZrO₂ matrices, respectively. The main problem in these systems is the degradation of the optical properties of the NCs as a result of the incorporation process. In this work we report on a fully inorganic incorporation technique of NCs into sol-gel prepared metal oxide and TCO matrices. Optimal synthetic and incorporation parameters have been found to secure the PL of the NCs in Al₂O₃ and Al₂O₃-SnO₂ systems. The optical and structural properties of these systems as well as the incorporation mechanism will be discussed.

• Legal notice:
  

  Copyright (c) Pielaszek Research, all rights reserved.
  The above materials, including auxiliary resources, are subject to Publisher's copyright and the Author(s) intellectual rights. Without limiting Author(s) rights under respective Copyright Transfer Agreement, no part of the above documents may be reproduced without the express written permission of Pielaszek Research, the Publisher. Express permission from the Author(s) is required to use the above materials for academic purposes, such as lectures or scientific presentations.
  In every case, proper references including Author(s) name(s) and URL of this webpage: https://science24.com/paper/15933 must be provided.