Multiple Exciton Generation in Nanostructures for Advanced Photovoltaic Cells

TL;DR

This paper reviews experimental and theoretical advances in nanostructures that enable multiple exciton generation, aiming to surpass traditional solar cell efficiency limits through innovative light-absorbing materials.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in nanostructure-based multiple exciton generation and discusses future strategies to enhance solar cell performance beyond classic limits.

Findings

High quantum yields observed in nanostructures due to multiple exciton generation

Development of nanostructure-based solar devices with improved efficiency

Identification of barriers and future directions for nanostructure optimization

Abstract

This paper reviews both experimental and theoretical work on nanostructures showing high quantum yields due to the phenomenon of multiple exciton generation. It outlines the aims and barriers to progress in identifying further such nanostructures, and also includes developments concerning solar devices where nanostructures act as the light-absorbing component. It reports on both semiconductor and carbon structures, both monocomposite (of various dimensionalities) and heterogeneous. Finally, it looks at future directions that can be taken to push solar cell efficiency above the classic limit set by Shockley and Queissier in 1961.