Quantum Dot-Sensitized Solar Cells

Quantum dot sensitized solar cells, but in general semiconductor sensitized photovoltaic devices, have erupted in recent years as a new class of systems, differentiated for several reasons of the most common dye-sensitized solar cells. In this chapter, we review the enormous potentialities that have impelled the research in this field. We highlight the differences between quantum dot and dye-sensitized solar cells that we divide in five aspects: (i) Preparation of the sensitizer; (ii) Nanostructured electrode; (iii) Hole Transporting Material; (iv) Counter electrode, and (v) Recombination and surface states. Some of the optimization works performed in each one of these lines is revised, observing that further improvement can be expected. In fact, the recent breakthrough in photovoltaics with organometallic halide perovskites, originated by the intensive study on quantum dot-sensitized solar cells, is also revised, stressing the potentiality of these systems for the development of low cost photovoltaic devices.