P3HT-ZnO:RE3+ Hybrid Heterostructures for Solar Cells

This research investigated novel P3HT-ZnO:RE3+ heterostructure films for photovoltaic applications, where rare earth ions (Ho3+ and Tm3+) were doped into ZnO nanostructures as electron acceptors. Using various characterization techniques including XRD, spectroscopy, and time-resolved fluorescence measurements, the study found that ZnO:Ho3+ nanostructures significantly enhanced charge transfer with P3HT polymer, improved optical conductivity, and demonstrated superior interfacial contact compared to Tm3+-doped variants, making them promising candidates for efficient solar cell photoactive layers.