Decoration of MAPbI3 Perovskites with Carbon Dots for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance and Stability

Abstract

A composite of methylammonium lead iodide perovskite (MAPbI[Formula: see text] and carbon dots is prepared under ultrasound irradiation. Characterizations of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, emission field scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectra and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy are performed. Excellent photoelectrochemical properties of prepared composites are examined by a collection of measurements including photocurrent density, open-circuit potential, current–voltage curves, cyclic voltammetry curves and Nyquist plots. The results imply that the as-prepared composites exhibit better electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties as well as stability than those of blank MAPbI3. The improved properties are due to the formed Pb–O–C bridge bonds in the composites, which can promote the generation and transport of charge carriers. This work provides a novel sonochemical synthesis strategy and investigation on the photoelectrochemical performance of MAPbI3/carbon dots composites.