Quantum Dot Composites for Solar Cell Application

With the ever-increasing energy demand, solar power as an infinite source of renewable energy without any adverse effects to the environment is a plausible alternative to the conventional energy sources. Solar cell is a photovoltaic device, which turn sunlight, the most fascinating renewable energy source, into electricity, has been extensively studied by a sizable number of researchers. In research labs, several types solar cells have been created, and significant progress has also been made towards commercial manufacturing. Most solar cell technologies, except for Si solar cells, are still far from being used in practical applications because of their generally low power conversion efficiency (PCE), lack of long-term stability, and/or harmful compounds used in the components or during processing. The principles of solar cells were covered in this chapter, from early technologies up to the present day. The identification of novel materials has enabled the development of new solar cell technologies with increasing efficiencies. A fundamental description of several solar cell technologies is provided. The crucial special aspects of the nano crystal QD Solar Cell have been large discussed in this chapter. After discussing the quantum heterostructure, the various designs required for the QD solar cell have been briefly explained. The shortcomings and drawbacks of QD Solar Cells have also been focussed on. After that, the top-down and bottom-up synthesis processes for the QD solar cell have been discussed which includes many methods like Reactive-ion etching or wet chemical etching, Focused Ion Beam Technique (FIB), Electron-beam Lithography, Wet-chemical methods, Sol–gel Process, Microemulsion, Hot-solution Decomposition, Microwaves, Hydrothermal Process, Vapour-phase method etc. Among all the discussed techniques, Hot-solution decomposition method is the cost-effective due to high temperature.