Abstract:

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