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
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TL;DR: In this article, a high-resolution transmission microscopy study accompanied by selected area electron diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis proves that the SWCNT bundles are covered with TiO 2 (anatase) nanocrystals of 8 nm approximate size.
Abstract: Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been coated electrochemically with TiO 2 nanocrystals prepared by electrolytic oxidation of aqueous TiCl 3 solution. The nanocrystals correspond to anatase phase with a small amount of monoclinic TiO 2 (B). Raman measurements of the SWCNT-TiO 2 heterostructure at 2.54, 2.41, and 1.91 eV laser excitation energies indicate changes of the vibrational modes of both TiO 2 (anatase) and SWCNT. The high-resolution transmission microscopy study accompanied by selected area electron diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis proves that the SWCNT bundles are covered with TiO 2 (anatase) nanocrystals of 8 nm approximate size. The Li-insertion electrochemistry of the SWCNT-TiO 2 heterostructure has been studied with the aim to evaluate its possible application in Li-ion batteries. Electrochemical Li + insertion into TiO 2 gives Li x TiO 2 , where x = 0.42 (corresponding to charge capacity of 507 C g -1 ) with 0.98 insertion/extraction charge ratio. Furthermore, this technique exclusively confirms the presence of trace amounts of monoclinic TiO 2 (B) in addition to anatase.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the kinetic and mechanistic details of the chemical events associated with charge trapping and the interfacial charge transfer processes in colloidal CdS and CdSe systems are elucidated with picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy.
Abstract: The kinetic and mechanistic details of the chemical events associated with charge trapping and the interfacial charge transfer processes in colloidal CdS and CdSe systems are elucidated with picosecond transient absorption spectroscopy
14 citations
5 citations
01 Jan 1996
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of excess charge on the spectroscopy of small semiconductor particles was investigated and it was shown that the spectral shifts are independent of the loading of electrons into the particle.
Abstract: We address the question of the effect of excess charge on the spectroscopy of small semiconductor particles. A variety of reducing species was used to inject charge into small CdS particles. A blue-shift or broadening of the spectrum is often observed at the low energy edge of the absorption. The effect of the excess charges on the absorption spectra of the particles is independent of the source of the electrons or the pH of the solution. The spectral shifts are essentially independent of the loading of electrons into the particle. Time resolved conductivity measurements show that no protons are released to the bulk of the solution upon injection of electrons from H atoms below the point of zero charge. We infer that a dipole is created across the particle in that case.
4 citations