Nanocrystals, Layer-by-Layer Assembly, and Photovoltaic Devices

Abstract

Solution-processing of solar cells has demonstrated great promise as a low-cost alternative to the conventional vacuum-based fabrication methods. In this chapter, we describe the creation of efficient nanocrystal photovoltaic devices using wet chemical processing methods. We compare the properties of nanocrystal solar cells as the constituent particles transition from quantum-confined to bulk sizes through grain growth and sintering steps. We propose layer-by-layer assembly as an ideal approach for producing high-quality, nanocrystalline, inorganic thin films. This also enables the development of solar cells that possess simple multilayered structures as well as complex graded architectures...