Quantum Dot and Heterojunction Solar Cells Containing Carbon Nanomaterials

Abstract

Both quantum dots (QDs) and heterostructures containing carbon nanomaterial solar cell possess the interesting and useful optical and electronic properties. These kinds of new generation solar cell are promising in the low-cost and high-efficiency nanoscale power source, which are desired in the integrated nanosystems. Using QDs with tuned band gaps, the single-material-system solar cell is able to contain multiple junctions, having a better use of the sun spectrum even challenging the single-junction limitation. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene as transparent conductive electrodes (TCE), carbon nanomaterial/QD composites, and graphene QDs (GQDs) are discussed in the context of QD-based photovoltaics (PVs). The chapter discusses the incorporation of carbon nanomaterials into the heterojunction solar cells. In the heterojunction solar cells, the interface between carbon nanomaterials and semiconductor plays the key role in energy conversion.