Quantum dot solar cells

Small beginnings have large impacts

Review (2018)

Authors

A.J. Houtepen ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials - AS
R.W. Crisp ChemE/Opto-electronic Materials - AS
Faculty
Applied Sciences
Copyright: © 2018 Abiseka Akash Ganesan, A.J. Houtepen, R.W. Crisp
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app8101867
Photovoltaics Quantum dots Solar cells Nanocrystals IV-VI semiconductors Ligand-exchange Lead sulfide Solution-processed
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Published Date

2018

Language

English

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Faculty

Applied Sciences

Abstract

From a niche field over 30 years ago, quantum dots (QDs) have developed into viable materials for many commercial optoelectronic devices. We discuss the advancements in Pb-based QD solar cells (QDSCs) from a viewpoint of the pathways an excited state can take when relaxing back to the ground state. Systematically understanding the fundamental processes occurring in QDs has led to improvements in solar cell efficiency from ~3% to over 13% in 8 years. We compile data from ~200 articles reporting functioning QDSCs to give an overview of the current limitations in the technology. We find that the open circuit voltage limits the device efficiency and propose some strategies for overcoming this limitation.