Colloidal Quantum Dots for Solar Technologies

doi:10.1016/j.chempr.2017.07.007

Chem

Volume 3, Issue 2, 10 August 2017, Pages 229-258

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The Bigger Picture

We describe recent progress in the synthesis of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) and describe their optoelectronic properties and further applications in solar technologies, including solar cells, solar-driven hydrogen production, and luminescent solar concentrators. QDs are fluorescent nanocrystals with nanoscale dimensions (<20 nm). Various QD architectures, including bare and core-shell QDs, can be controllably synthesized via efficient and environmentally friendly synthetic routes for QDs with well-controlled size, crystalline phase, and chemical composition. We further discuss efficient approaches to improving charge separation and transport in the presence of electron-hole acceptors by tuning band alignment. This is achieved by controlling the structure of the core-shell materials. The architecture, performance, challenges, and recent progress of each type of solar device are discussed. Finally, we propose possible approaches to improving the efficiency of solar devices.

Summary

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, solar-driven 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.

Graphical Abstract

UN Sustainable Development Goals

SDG7: Affordable and clean energy

Keywords

optoelectronics

hydrogen production

quantum dot

solar technologies

solar cell

solar concentrator

water splitting