Strategically integrating quantum dots into organic and perovskite solar cells

Urgent requirements for high-efficiency and low-cost photovoltaic devices are constantly pushing forward the development of emerging solar cells. Currently, organic solar cells (OSCs) and perovskites solar cells (PSCs) are considered most likely commercialized solar cells in the short-term period. Enormous optimization strategies towards optimizing the device efficiency and stability have been developed. It is noteworthy that the well-known small-sized quantum dots (QDs) have been explored as the additional components in OSCs and PSCs, and have yielded rather modest amelioration of the device performance. Herein, we reviewed recent advances in strategically integrating all kinds of QDs (consisting of metal chalcogenide-based QDs, perovskite QDs, InP-based QDs, carbon QDs, graphene QDs, black phosphorus QDs, and other emerging two-dimensional QDs) and the associated relevant performance enhancement of OSCs and PSCs. In view of each type of QDs, we have mainly emphasized their involved device configuration, integration location, and physical mechanism. In addition, the fundamental structures, operation principles, and analogies/distinctions of OSCs and PSCs have been briefly outlined. Finally, existing challenges and future prospects based on QDs-integrated OSCs and PSCs have been listed. Recent advances in strategically integrating diverse QDs into organic and perovskite solar cells are reviewed associating the involved device configuration, integration location, and physical mechanism.