Colloidal Quantum Dots for Solar Technologies

Abstract

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have been widely studied as absorbers for various solar technologies because of their excellent optoelectronic properties, such as a size-dependent absorption spectrum, efficient charge separation and transport, and good photostability. During the last decade, major research initiatives have been pursued to elucidate the structure-dominated optoelectronic properties with the goal of maximizing overall solar-device power-conversion efficiency. In this review, we discuss the chemical synthesis methods and the properties of these QDs and emphasize their applications in solar cells, solardriven hydrogen production, and luminescent solar concentrator devices. We describe recent research advances in this rapidly growing field by highlighting various strategies developed for the synthesis of QDs with different structure and composition. We also describe available approaches for tuning charge dynamics in QDs and metal oxides. Finally, we introduce several types of solar devices based on QDs and discuss their fabrication and performance. We also discuss challenges to be addressed for the controlled synthesis of QDs.

Cosensitized Quantum Dot Solar Cells with Conversion Efficiency over 12%

“…Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with tunable electronic and optical properties offer a powerful platform for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices . Especially, quantum‐dot‐based solar cells (QDSCs) have attracted extensive interest as a potential candidate for cost‐effective third‐generation photovoltaic cells due to potential application for smaller modules to power portable electronics . In recent years, the tremendous improvements in heterointerface engineering, tailor and control of bandgap alignment of QD materials, as well as QD deposition technology have led to a boost in the certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 12.07% for liquid‐junction QDSCs and 13.43% for solid‐state QDSCs .…”

Room‐Temperature Solution‐Processed PbS Quantum Dot Solar Cells

“…The synthesis of PbS CQDs is a critical step to produce high‐ efficiency and stable solar cells. Many considerable efforts have been focused on the development of syntheses of PbS CQDs . Zhang et al .…”

“…Although a variety of different synthesis methods have been proposed for high‐efficiency CQD solar cells, the PbO and bis(trimethylsilyl) sulfide (TMS‐S) hot‐injection protocol pioneered by Hines and Scholes is mainly used for producing monodisperse CQDs . It is worth mentioning that the nucleation and subsequent growth of CQDs are highly dependent on temperature; it is critical to control the reaction temperature of hot injection accurately . To decompose the precursor species, the reaction temperature required in this way is often higher than 120 o C. Such high temperature remarkably increases the fabrication cost of PbS.…”

Experimental study of the size-dependent photoluminescence emission of CBD-grown PbSe nanocrystals on glass

“…Colloidal PbSe NCs [16,17], are well-known for providing a high tunability over the infrared range. However, the sensitivity of the colloidal-based sensors can be affected by environmental conditions, such as light and moisture [18]. Moreover, one of the challenges of colloidal NCs is their ability to couple onto a substrate [19][20][21][22].…”