CHAPTER 13: Quantum Dots for Type III Photovoltaics

Quantum dots are tiny particles of semiconducting materials in the nano-regime and have exciting physicochemical properties. They are important constituents of third-generation photovoltaic devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells, organic photovoltaic devices, hybrid solar cells and quantum dot solar cells. Quantum dots improve the efficiency and help in the design of novel solar cell architectures based on new concepts such as hot carrier capture and multiple exciton generation. This chapter gives a brief background to photovoltaic devices and their classification, followed by a short discussion on quantum dots and their properties. The subsequent discussion includes the synthesis and characterization of quantum dots and their relevance to third-generation photovoltaic devices and quantum dot solar cells.