Quantum dot solar cells: Small beginnings have large impacts

Abiseka Akash Ganesan, Arjan J. Houtepen, Ryan W. Crisp*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)
159 Downloads (Pure)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1867
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume8
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • IV-VI semiconductors
  • Lead sulfide
  • Ligand-exchange
  • Nanocrystals
  • Photovoltaics
  • Quantum dots
  • Solar cells
  • Solution-processed

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