Issue 12, 2014

A comprehensive review of the application of chalcogenide nanoparticles in polymer solar cells

Abstract

In this review the use of solution-processed chalcogenide quantum dots (CdS, CdSe, PbS, etc.) in hybrid organic–inorganic solar cells is explored. Such devices are known as potential candidates for low-cost and efficient solar energy conversion, and compose the so-called third generation solar cells. The incorporation of oxides and metal nanoparticles has also been successfully achieved in this new class of photovoltaic devices; however, we choose to explore here chalcogenide quantum dots in light of their particularly attractive optical and electronic properties. We address herein a comprehensive review of the historical background and state-of-the-art comprising the incorporation of such nanoparticles in polymer matrices. Later strategies for surface chemistry manipulation, in situ synthesis of nanoparticles, use of continuous 3D nanoparticles network (aerogels) and ternary systems are also reviewed.

Graphical abstract: A comprehensive review of the application of chalcogenide nanoparticles in polymer solar cells

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
17 Feb 2014
Accepted
28 Mar 2014
First published
01 Apr 2014

Nanoscale, 2014,6, 6371-6397

Author version available

A comprehensive review of the application of chalcogenide nanoparticles in polymer solar cells

J. N. Freitas, A. S. Gonçalves and A. F. Nogueira, Nanoscale, 2014, 6, 6371 DOI: 10.1039/C4NR00868E

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements