Selected I-III-VI2 Semiconductors: Synthesis, Properties and Applications in Photovoltaic Cells

Abstract

I–III–VI2 group quantum dots (QDs) have attracted high attention in photoelectronic conversion applications, especially for QD-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). This group of QDs has become the mainstream light-harvesting material in QDSSCs due to the ability to tune their electronic properties through size, shape, and composition and the ability to assemble the nanocrystals on the surface of TiO2. Moreover, these nanocrystals can be produced relatively easily via cost-effective solution-based synthetic methods and are composed of low-toxicity elements, which favors their integration into the market. This review describes the methods developed to prepare I-III-VI2 QDs (AgInS2 and CuInS2 were excluded) and control their optoelectronic properties to favor their integration into QDSSCs. Strategies developed to broaden the optoelectronic response and decrease the surface-defect states of QDs in order to promote the fast electron injection from QDs into TiO2 and achieve highly efficient QDSSCs will be described. Results show that heterostructures obtained after the sensitization of TiO2 with I-III-VI2 QDs could outperform those of other QDSSCs. The highest power-conversion efficiency (15.2%) was obtained for quinary Cu-In-Zn-Se-S QDs, along with a short-circuit density (JSC) of 26.30 mA·cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 802 mV and a fill factor (FF) of 71%.

Novel Drug Delivery System: Brief Review

“…The phrase can also refer to fibres and tubes that are less than 100 nm in just two directions, or larger particles up to 500 nm 28. In the lowest range, metal particles that are smaller than one nanometre are typically referred to as atom clusters. Because of their smaller size, which leads to very different physical or chemical properties, such as colloidal properties and ultrafast optical effects, nanoparticles are typically distinguished from microparticles (1-1000 µm), "fine particles" (sized between 100 and 2500 nm), and "coarse particles" (ranging from 2500 to 10,000 nm) 29 or electrical characteristics 30 .…”

Recent advances in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using I–III–VI quantum dots

“…46–49 For instance, Yang et al have focused on light-emitting diodes, 65 while Shishodia et al have concentrated on photovoltaic cells using I–III–VI QDs. 66 However, comprehensive reviews and summaries of recent progress in I–III–VI QDs specifically for PEC applications have been rarely reported.…”