Surface Chemistry of Nanocrystal Quantum Dots for Efficient Photovoltaics
As colloidal quantum dots offer optoelectronic tunability and fabricational flexibility, QDs are attractive light absorbing materials for photovoltaic (PV) applications. The development of quantum dot (QD) solar cells has progressed rapidly due to advances in device architecture and surface management. [Choi et al., J.Am.Chem.Soc. 2013, 135, 5278, Woo et al., J.Am.Chem.Soc. 2014, 136, 8883] Since mid-2014, the performance of colloidal QD solar cells has improved due to a reduction in the electronic trap state density. However, the origin of surface trap states must be identified to further advance solar cell performance. A fundamental study based on a microscopic understanding of the nanocrystalline surface chemistry by combing experiments and calculations for efficient photovoltaics will be presented. [Song et al., Adv. Ener. Mat 2017]