Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells - Low-cost Nanomaterials: Toward Greener and More Efficient Energy Applications - page 86

Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

P. Sudhagar, Emilio J. Juárez-Pérez, Yong Soo Kang
and Iván Mora-Seró

Abstract Quantum dot sensitized solar cells, but in general semiconductor
sensitized photovoltaic devices, have erupted in recent years as a new class of
systems, differentiated for several reasons of the most common dye-sensitized
solar cells. In this chapter, we review the enormous potentialities that have
impelled the research in this field. We highlight the differences between quantum
dot and dye-sensitized solar cells that we divide in five aspects: (i) Preparation of
the sensitizer; (ii) Nanostructured electrode; (iii) Hole Transporting Material; (iv)
Counter electrode, and (v) Recombination and surface states. Some of the opti-
mization works performed in each one of these lines is revised, observing that
further improvement can be expected. In fact, the recent breakthrough in photo-
voltaics with organometallic halide perovskites, originated by the intensive study
on quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, is also revised, stressing the potentiality of
these systems for the development of low cost photovoltaic devices.

1 Introduction

Since the apparition of the Homo Sapiens in Africa, 200,000 years ago, the evo-
lution of the society has been closely linked to an increment of the energy con-
sumption. From the early days of the hunters and harvesters society to the current
industrial societies the energy consumption per person and day and the world
population have both experienced an exponential growth [ 1 ]. The demand for