Recent progress in solar cells based on one-dimensional nanomaterials

Abstract

To develop solar cells with high power conversion efficiencies is critical but remains challenging for the sustainable development of human society. It is well recognized that rapid charge separation, transport and collection are beneficial to highly efficient solar cells, which requires optimization at microscopic structures and morphologies. One-dimensional nanomaterials favor charge transport and collection derived from large specific surface areas and one-dimensional configuration, which have been widely used to fabricate solar cells. In this review, the recent progress in high-performance solar cells based on one-dimensional nanomaterials is comprehensively described with an emphasis on the mostly explored metal, metal oxide, carbon and conductive polymer. The impact of one-dimensional structure on device performance is highlighted to elucidate the advantages of such nanomaterials. The future development of one-dimensional nanomaterials towards next-generation solar cells is finally summarized.Broader context: With the persistently growing demand for harvesting abundant and clean solar energy, increasing attentions are paid to develop efficient solar cells to remit the energy crisis in recent years. Material optimization is considered to be a key to improve the charge separation, transport and collection, resulting in better device performances. One-dimensional nanomaterials share the combined advantages of rapid charge transport and collection due to large specific surface areas and the one-dimensional configuration, and are widely used to build efficient solar cells. Herein, we systematically review the recent progress in efficient solar cells based on one-dimensional nanomaterials, selecting metal, metal oxide, carbon and conductive polymer as representatives. We also present the impact of one-dimensional configuration on device performance, and give a perspective on one-dimensional nanomaterials aiming at future solar cells.

Quantum dot sensitized solar cell: Recent advances and future perspectives in photoanode

“…In the field of DSSC and QDSSC, Concina et al [33] reviewed metal oxide semiconductors in which various kinds of metal oxide, their structures and morphologies for optimization of functional characteristics of photoanode are discussed. Recent advances in one dimensional nano-material based solar cell have been reviewed by Sun et al [34]. In the review paper, impact of different one dimensional photo-anodic nanomaterial (such as metals, metal oxides, carbon and conductive polymers) on photovoltaic performance has been explained in an organized manner.…”

Green sol–gel route for selective growth of 1D rutile N–TiO2: a highly active photocatalyst for H2 generation and environmental remediation under natural sunlight

“…Among transition metal oxide photocatalysts, titania (TiO 2 ) has been an intensively investigated candidate within the ambit of various potential applications such as photocatalytic water splitting, 1-3 organic pollutant degradation, 4-7 supercapacitors, 8 dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC), [9][10][11][12] Li-ion battery photo anodes, 13,14 gas-sensors, 15,16 and super-hydrophilicity. 17 This can be ascribed to its fascinating electronic and optical properties, namely, favourable electronic band structure, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, long term chemical stability towards photo-corrosion, and, importantly, commercial cost-effectiveness.…”

A universal synthetic route to carbon nanotube/transition metal oxide nano-composites for lithium ion batteries and electrochemical capacitors

“…Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have received great interest following their discovery by Iijima in 19911, owing to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties2345. In order to harness the exceptional properties of CNTs, one strategy is to exploit their applications and composite structures with other functional materials, such as polymers, metals and metal oxides/sulfides/nitrides/phosphides2367891011.…”

“…However, TMOs typically suffer from poor inherent electrical and ionic conductivities when applied in electrochemical devices such as lithium ion batteries (LIBs) and electro-chemical capacitors (ECs). To address the inherent limitations of TMOs, exciting progress has recently been made in hybridizing TMOs with a conductive matrix52021222324. In particular, hierarchical assembly of TMO nanosheets (NSs) on a framework of CNTs (denoted as TMO@CNT composites) has drawn considerable attention12162526.…”