量子点敏化太阳电池

Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

基于量子限域效应的新型太阳电池——量子点敏化太阳电池(QD-SSCs),由于其最大理论转化效率超过了传统的Shockley-Queisser极限效率,已经成为目前最具研究潜力的太阳电池之一。本文综述了近几年来QD-SSCs领域的研究进展,主要从半导体氧化物纳米材料,特别是其低维纳米结构下的特殊性能;金属硫族化合物纳米晶;电解质;对电极等几个方面评述了电池材料的研究进展。另外,从量子点材料的制备和组装方面简述了目前电池光阳极的研究情况,并介绍了提高量子点光敏化性能的几个新途径。最后,从开路电压和短路电流角度分析了影响电池性能的几个关键因素,并对QD-SSCs今后的发展进行了展望。

Quantum dot-sensitized solar cells （QD-SSCs） based on quantum confinement effect have the potential to increase the maximum attainable theoretical conversion efficiency of solar photon up to 44% and have been recongnized as the most potential solar cells. However, this kind of solar cells have shown relatively lower efficiencies than initially expected because of many difficulties in finding appropriate sensitizer materials, hole transport materials （HTM） and electrocatalytic materials. This paper mainly gives an overview of the recent developments in QD-SSCs, including the advanced materials and structure designs of wide-bandgap oxide semiconductors, quantum dot materials, electrolyte system and counter electrodes. In addition, recent experimental methods for growing quantum dots on the surface of wide-bandgap oxide semiconductor are briefly reviewed, such as CBD and SILAR method. Furthermore, the current problems existed in solving stability issues are discussed and many methods for further improving cell stability and performance are also overviewed, including the principle and technology of co-sensitization. Meanwhile, the concept of surface passivation is also discussed. Finally, We also analyse the key factors that influence to a great extent the conversion efficiency. Since to further increase the power conversion efficiency still remains a major challenge and a tough task, we propose some suggestions towards the future developments of QD-SSCs.