Performance enhancement of InAs quantum dots solar cells by using nanostructured antireflection coating with hydrophobic properties

Enhancement of the performance of an InAs quantum dots (QDs) solar cell was investigated by using a nanostructured antireflection coating with hydrophobic properties. The surface modification was performed by growing ZnO nanoneedles on top of an InAs QDs solar cell’s surface, then the nanoneedles’ hydrophobicity treatment was achieved by using stearic acid. The QDs solar cell’s performance remarkably improved by 50% as noticed in the power conversion efficiency, external quantum efficiency, and spectral response after the surface modification. Additionally, the contact angle of the hydrophobic surface was found to be 153 deg.