Abstract
Recently, significant progress has been made in colloidal quantum dot (QD) based optoelectronic devices for solar energy conversion, such as solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators, and solar-driven photoelectrochemical devices. In this Research Update, we summarized the most recent works on the QD based optoelectronic devices. Particularly, we focused on the effect of the QD structure on the functional properties of QD based devices. The major factors that determine the efficiency of the optoelectronic devices were discussed. In the end, we proposed potential ways to address the future challenges and opportunities of this field.
Highlights
We reviewed that the promising strategies that can boost the solar-to-fuel/electricity conversion efficiency in quantum dot (QD) based optoelectronic devices, such as structural engineering, surface treatment, introducing dopants, and so on
We reviewed that the hot electron effect and multiple exciton generation (MEG) effect could be considered for the improvement of the conversion efficiency of the devices
Compared to liquid-junction QD based solar cells (QDSCs), the solid-state configuration may represent the future direction of the QDSCs
Summary
With the rapid growth of global population, it is urgently demanding the clean and sustainable energy in order to replace the fossil energy, which has been led to serious air pollution and carbon emission. Among various types of natural energy resources (e.g., biomass, wind, water, and thermal energies), solar technologies have attracted a lot of attention because they are potentially clean and renewable energy resources. Many cutting-edge optoelectronic devices have been produced for solar energy conversion, such as solar cells, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), and solar-driven water splitting for hydrogen production. All these devices are composed of high-quality dyes/polymers/semiconductors, which serve as sunlight absorbers or conversion materials to convert solar energy to electricity or hydrogen fuels.. The performance of the optoelectronic devices is strongly dependent on the structure and chemical composition of the QDs.. The optical properties of QDs are much more important compared to the electronic properties required for QDSCs. it is very important to control the optical or electronic properties of the QDs, which will meet the requirement for different types of optoelectronic devices, such as QDSCs, LSCs, and PEC devices. It is very important to control the optical or electronic properties of the QDs, which will meet the requirement for different types of optoelectronic devices, such as QDSCs, LSCs, and PEC devices In this Research Update, we mainly review the most recent works on the QD based optoelectronic devices, such as QDSCs, QDs integrated LSCs, and PEC devices. Various types of solar cells have been demonstrated besides silicon based solar cells.111 They include dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), QDSCs, perovskite solar cells, and organic polymer solar cells.110 Because of the wide absorption, the MEG, and hot electron extraction in the QDs, compared to other types of solar cells, the QDSCs could have a very high PCE, which is over the theoretical limit of QDSCs beyond the Shockley–Queisser limit of 32.7%.40 the current obtained PCE in singlejunction QDSCs is still lower than 15%.16 Usually, for single structured QDSCs, there are two types of configurations: liquid-junction and solid-state QDSCs.102103109
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
