Quantum Junction Solar Cells: Development and Prospects

Abstract

Nanocrystals, called semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), contain excitons that are three‐dimensionally bound. QDs exhibit a discontinuous electronic energy level structure that is similar to that of atoms and exhibit a distinct quantum confinement effect. As a result, QDs have unique electrical, optical, and physical characteristics that can be used in a variety of optoelectronic device applications, including solar cells. In this review article, the stable and controllable synthesis of QD materials is outlined for upscaling solar cells, including material development and device performance enhancement. It includes a systematic variety of device structures for the fabrication of solar cells, such as QD, hybrid QD/organic, hybrid QD/inorganic, perovskite QD, and hybrid 2D MXene QD/perovskite. The mechanisms for the improvement of stability by QD treatment are examined. For example, the 2D MXene QD and/or Cu1.8S nanocrystal doping significantly increases the long‐term light and ambient stability of perovskite solar cells, resulting from improved perovskite crystallization, reduced hole transport layer (HTL) aggregation and crystallization of films, and reduced UV‐induced photocatalytic activity of the electron transport layer (ETL). For the advancement of QD solar cells and their interaction with various materials, the conclusions from this review are crucial. Finally, future prospects for the development of QD solar cells as well as current challenges are discussed.

Dimensional diversity (0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D) in perovskite solar cells: exploring the potential of mixed-dimensional integrations

“…There is a substantial body of literature, and we have come across a number of interesting review articles, each of which concentrated on a particular feature or characteristic of perovskite materials including 1D materials for efficient and stable PSCs, 75 solar cells with perovskite quantum dots, 5,76–79 nanocrystals in luminescent solar concentrators, 80 metal halide perovskite nano/microwires, 81 and metal halide perovskite nanorods. 82 There are still gaps in our understanding of the potential of perovskite solar cells because none of these articles provided a comprehensive analysis of the entire dimensional spectrum.…”

“…Recently, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received interest because of their potential to revolutionize the photovoltaic (PV) industry. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PSCs have been demonstrated to be impressive, exceeding 25% under lab conditions. 18,19 This efficiency level is on par with commonly used traditional silicon-based solar cells.…”

Metal oxide-embedded carbon-based materials for polymer solar cells and X-ray detectors

“…Polymer solar cells (PSCs) have become a promising technology in the field of renewable energy, providing a flexible and sustainable method of capturing solar energy. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] PSCs are viable options for large-scale energy production because they are affordable, lightweight, and can be created using solutionbased processes. [9][10][11][17][18][19] However, in order to reach their full potential, scientists have been working nonstop to find new ways to boost the effectiveness, stability, and scalability of these solar cells.…”

“…The extraordinary properties of these atom-thin nanosheets, including reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), can be used to engineer crucial interfaces within PSCs. 1,[12][13][14][15][26][27][28] Scientists hope to address some of the major issues that PSCs face, such as limited light absorption, charge carrier mobility, and operational stability, by carefully designing these interfaces. This area of study, also known as "2D nanomaterials interface engineering", has created new opportunities for improving the overall performance of PSCs.…”

2D MXene interface engineering for organic solar cells

“…Solar cells can produce electricity for various uses, including lighting up buildings and homes, recharging electronic devices, and powering spacecraft and satellites. [1][2][3][4][5][6] They are also used more frequently with energy storage technologies, such as batteries, to deliver dependable and renewable power constantly. In contrast to conventional inorganic semiconductors, organic materials are used as the active layer in organic solar cells (OSCs).…”