ABSTRACT
As a member of the third-generation solar power generation, quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) have a theoretical efficiency of more than 44%, which is likely to exceed the S-Q limit of 33.7%. This high efficiency is mainly due to the excellent properties of quantum dots (QDs), such as resizable absorption, quantum limitation, high optical extinction coefficient, and multiple excitation effects. This chapter first describes the basic concepts, characteristics, synthesis methods, and optoelectronic applications of QDs, and then explains the basic configuration, manufacturing method, and operating principles of QDSC. Finally, important strategies such as material and device interface optimization to improve the performance of QDSC are presented. Size-tunable absorption, quantum confinement, high optical extinction coefficient, and multiple exciton generation in semiconductor QDs are suitable as light absorbers in solar cells and capable of achieving a theoretical efficiency of over 44% that overcomes the S-Q limit of 33.7%.
