Abstract:

Photovoltaic cells use semiconductors to convert sunlight into electrical current
and are regarded as a key technology for a sustainable energy supply. Quantum dot-based
solar cells have shown great potential as next generation, high performance, low-cost
photovoltaics due to the outstanding optoelectronic properties of quantum dots and their
multiple exciton generation (MEG) capability. This review focuses on QDs as light
harvesters in solar cells, including different structures of QD-based solar cells, such as QD
heterojunction solar cells, QD-Schottky solar cells, QD-sensitized solar cells and the recent
development in organic-inorganic perovskite heterojunction solar cells. Mechanisms,
procedures, advantages, disadvantages and the latest results obtained in the field are
described. To summarize, a future perspective is offered.