Hong-Li Wang

Synthesis and Sensing Properties of ZnO/ZnS Nanocages

Large-scale uniform ZnO dumbbells and ZnO/ZnS hollow nanocages were successfully synthesized via a facile hydrothermal route combined with subsequent etching treatment. The nanocages were formed through preferential dissolution of the twinned (0001) plane of ZnO dumbbells. Due to their special morphology, the hollow nanocages show better sensing properties to ethanol than ZnO dumbbells. The gain in sensitivity is attributed to both the interface between ZnO and ZnS heterostructure and their hollow architecture that promotes analyte diffusion and increases the available active surface area.

The effect of post-annealing on the conversion efficiency of solar cells sensitized by CdS quantum dots

We investigate the effect of annealing treatment on the power conversion efficiency of solar cells sensitized by CdS quantum dots. The CdS quantum dots were deposited on ZnO nanowire arrays through a chemical bath deposition process. The thickness of CdS layer and the annealing temperature were found to be very crucial for the final performance of CdS/ZnO solar cells. The power conversion efficiency was improved significantly after annealing treatment, which can be attributed to the red shift of the absorption edge of CdS quantum dots and the formation of a diffusion layer between the CdS shell and ZnO core.