Quantum Dot Solar Cells. Semiconductor Nanocrystals as Light Harvesters
18 Oct 2008-Journal of Physical Chemistry C (American Chemical Society)-Vol. 112, Iss: 48, pp 18737-18753
TL;DR: In this paper, three major ways to utilize semiconductor dots in solar cell include (i) metal−semiconductor or Schottky junction photovoltaic cell, (ii) polymer−smiconductor hybrid solar cell, and (iii) quantum dot sensitized solar cell.
Abstract: The emergence of semiconductor nanocrystals as the building blocks of nanotechnology has opened up new ways to utilize them in next generation solar cells. This paper focuses on the recent developments in the utilization of semiconductor quantum dots for light energy conversion. Three major ways to utilize semiconductor dots in solar cell include (i) metal−semiconductor or Schottky junction photovoltaic cell (ii) polymer−semiconductor hybrid solar cell, and (iii) quantum dot sensitized solar cell. Modulation of band energies through size control offers new ways to control photoresponse and photoconversion efficiency of the solar cell. Various strategies to maximize photoinduced charge separation and electron transfer processes for improving the overall efficiency of light energy conversion are discussed. Capture and transport of charge carriers within the semiconductor nanocrystal network to achieve efficient charge separation at the electrode surface remains a major challenge. Directing the future resear...
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TL;DR: This work reviews the historical development of Transition metal dichalcogenides, methods for preparing atomically thin layers, their electronic and optical properties, and prospects for future advances in electronics and optoelectronics.
Abstract: Single-layer metal dichalcogenides are two-dimensional semiconductors that present strong potential for electronic and sensing applications complementary to that of graphene.
13,348 citations
TL;DR: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) offer the possibilities to design solar cells with a large flexibility in shape, color, and transparency as mentioned in this paper, and many DSC research groups have been established around the world.
Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) offer the possibilities to design solar cells with a large flexibility in shape, color, and transparency. DSC research groups have been established around the worl ...
8,707 citations
TL;DR: Nanocrystals (NCs) discussed in this Review are tiny crystals of metals, semiconductors, and magnetic material consisting of hundreds to a few thousand atoms each that are among the hottest research topics of the last decades.
Abstract: Nanocrystals (NCs) discussed in this Review are tiny crystals of metals, semiconductors, and magnetic material consisting of hundreds to a few thousand atoms each. Their size ranges from 2-3 to about 20 nm. What is special about this size regime that placed NCs among the hottest research topics of the last decades? The quantum mechanical coupling * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: dvtalapin@uchicago.edu. † The University of Chicago. ‡ Argonne National Lab. Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 389–458 389
3,720 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the development of different strategies to modify TiO2 for the utilization of visible light, including non metal and/or metal doping, dye sensitization and coupling semiconductors are discussed.
Abstract: Fujishima and Honda (1972) demonstrated the potential of titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor materials to split water into hydrogen and oxygen in a photo-electrochemical cell. Their work triggered the development of semiconductor photocatalysis for a wide range of environmental and energy applications. One of the most significant scientific and commercial advances to date has been the development of visible light active (VLA) TiO2 photocatalytic materials. In this review, a background on TiO2 structure, properties and electronic properties in photocatalysis is presented. The development of different strategies to modify TiO2 for the utilization of visible light, including non metal and/or metal doping, dye sensitization and coupling semiconductors are discussed. Emphasis is given to the origin of visible light absorption and the reactive oxygen species generated, deduced by physicochemical and photoelectrochemical methods. Various applications of VLA TiO2, in terms of environmental remediation and in particular water treatment, disinfection and air purification, are illustrated. Comprehensive studies on the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants of emerging concern, including endocrine disrupting compounds, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, cyanotoxins and volatile organic compounds, with VLA TiO2 are discussed and compared to conventional UV-activated TiO2 nanomaterials. Recent advances in bacterial disinfection using VLA TiO2 are also reviewed. Issues concerning test protocols for real visible light activity and photocatalytic efficiencies with different light sources have been highlighted.
3,305 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discussed the steps that have led to this discovery, and the future of this rapidly advancing concept have been considered, and it is likely that the next few years of solar research will advance this technology to the very highest efficiencies while retaining the very lowest cost and embodied energy.
Abstract: Over the last 12 months, we have witnessed an unexpected breakthrough and rapid evolution in the field of emerging photovoltaics, with the realization of highly efficient solid-state hybrid solar cells based on organometal trihalide perovskite absorbers. In this Perspective, the steps that have led to this discovery are discussed, and the future of this rapidly advancing concept have been considered. It is likely that the next few years of solar research will advance this technology to the very highest efficiencies while retaining the very lowest cost and embodied energy. Provided that the stability of the perovskite-based technology can be proven, we will witness the emergence of a contender for ultimately low-cost solar power.
2,506 citations
References
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TL;DR: Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy has been used to characterize charge carrier relaxation from the second excited state to the first excited state in colloidal indium phosphid as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy has been used to characterize charge carrier relaxation from the second excited state (1P) to the first excited state (1S) in colloidal indium phosphid...
91 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, photoelectrons from colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) capped by thioglycolic acid into compact ultrathin TiO2 layers were investigated by direct detection of modulated charge separation with surface photovoltage spectroscopy.
Abstract: Injection of photoelectrons from colloidal CdSe quantum dots (QDs) capped by thioglycolic acid into compact ultrathin TiO2 layers was investigated by direct detection of modulated charge separation with surface photovoltage spectroscopy. A size-dependent peak related to light absorption in the CdSe QDs and charge transfer to TiO2 was observed for QDs of different sizes. Correlation between CdSe QDs absorption and photoelectron injection into TiO2 has been demonstrated. Our results show that surface photovoltage spectroscopy is a valuable tool to determine the effectiveness of carrier injection from colloidal semiconductor QDs to electron transport materials in advanced solar cell configurations.
89 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, two-photon excitation spectra of highly monodisperse colloidal CdSe nanocrystals with sizes ranging from 22 to 43 were compared to one-phase excitation data and to a spherically confined effective mass model.
Abstract: Two-photon excitation spectra of highly monodisperse colloidal CdSe nanocrystals with sizes ranging from 22 to 43 \AA{} are compared to one-photon excitation data and to a spherically confined effective-mass model. The main experimental features are well described by this model. However, the first one-photon and two-photon transitions appear indistinguishable, though the model predicts a 20-meV splitting. This discrepancy may reflect the sensitivity of the band-edge structure to deviations from the assumed spherical symmetry. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
89 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, le radical cationique methylviologene et les particules colloidales de Fe 2 O 3 -α ou de TiO 2 par radiolyse pulsee.
Abstract: Etudes de la cinetique et des equilibres de transfert d'electrons entre le radical cationique methylviologene et les particules colloidales de Fe 2 O 3 -α ou de TiO 2 par radiolyse pulsee. Les vitesses de transfert d'electrons des 2 colloides sont plus faibles que celles prevues pour une reaction controlee par la diffusion. Pour des pH plus eleves (TiO 2 , pH>2; α-Fe 2 O 3 , pH>9) l'equilibre etabli MV + ⇄MV 2+ +(e − ) coll est fortement influence par la concentration de MV 2+ et par le pH. La concentration d'equilibre de MV + peut etre utilisee pour deduire le potentiel de bande plate du colloide semiconducteur
87 citations
TL;DR: In this article, photoinduced electron transfer in composites of CdSe and InP nanocrystals (NC) with a conjugated polymer [2-methoxy-5-(3-,7-dimethyl-octyloxy)-1, 4-phenylene vinylene] (OC1C10-PPV) is studied by means of light-induced electron spin resonance (LESR), photoluminescence (PL) as well as quasi steady-state photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy.
Abstract: Photoinduced electron transfer in composites of CdSe and InP nanocrystals (NC) with a conjugated polymer [2-methoxy-5-(3-,7-dimethyl-octyloxy)-1, 4-phenylene vinylene] (OC1C10-PPV) is studied by means of light-induced electron spin resonance (LESR), photoluminescence (PL) as well as quasi steady-state photoinduced absorption (PIA) spectroscopy. The quenching of PL, the occurrence of two new optical absorption bands, and the formation of light-induced paramagnetic species on the polymer chain are altogether interpreted as an electron transfer between a donor polymer and acceptor NC in the excited state. In particular the LESR provides evidence of an electron transfer rather than energy transfer due to an overlap of absorption and emission bands of NC and the conjugated polymer. The g-factor of the signal is consistent with the cationic origin of OC1C10-PPV radicals. Additionally, the LESR signal is sensitive to NC surface coating being smaller in blends with the tri-n-octylphosphine oxide–tri-n-octylphosphine (TOPO–TOP) coated CdSe surface and completely absent in blends with TOPO–TOP–InP. LESR probes predominantly positive polarons on the conjugated polymer chain generated at room temperature in the course of an electron transfer to NC. This is very different from the situation in blends of OC1C10-PPV with fullerenes, another promising photovoltaic acceptor, where the photogenerated cation and anion were both observed in the LESR. In PIA we found contributions of both polymer polarons and electrons on the NC. The recombination kinetics shows a broad distribution of lifetimes, which is characteristic for dispersive (diffusive) recombination processes with fractional power frequency dependence.
86 citations