Current Status of Inorganic Solar Cells Using Quantum Structures

Thermalization of photogenerated carriers in bulk materials is the main bottleneck for the conversion efficiency of conventional inorganic solar cells. Furthermore, the achieved conversion efficiency has nearly saturated during the last decade despite extensive research. Therefore, new device concepts to break through the efficiency barrier are highly requested. Nanotechnologies are the building blocks for next-generation solar cells because low-dimensional quantum structures can possibly reduce thermalization and extend the light absorption range. In addition, very thin nanostructured inorganic solar cells provide us with good opportunity to reach highly competitive mass production. Hereafter, recently invented inorganic solar cells using quantum structures will be reviewed.