Illumination-induced deep trap state activation at the nanocluster/TiO₂ interface: the origin of intrinsic photocapacitance in sensitized solar cells.

ABSTRACT: Noble metal nanoclusters (NCs) in photoelectrochemical systems reveal novel functionalities. This study unveils that metal nanocluster-sensitized solar cells (MCSSCs) can intrinsically function as photocapacitors, storing charge in the dark. Illumination of Au₂₂(SG)₁₈ NC-sensitized TiO₂ activates deep surface trap states, forming an interfacial capacitance responsible for a persistent dark built-in potential. Open-circuit voltage decay experiments demonstrate a stable dark voltage post-illumination, a phenomenon absent in applied-bias voltage decay experiments, highlighting the crucial role of photogenerated holes within NCs in charging this capacitor. A proposed model features TiO₂ deep traps as the negative electrode, glutathione ligands as the

SUBMITTER: Abbas MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12498295 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature