Recent progress in synthetic methods and applications in solar cells of Ag 2 S quantum dots

Abstract Ag2S quantum dot is a semiconductor with narrow band-gap, high chemical stability, broad light absorption, photovoltaic effect and photoluminescence, which makes it a good photovoltaic material for fabricating solar cells. Many works have been conducted to demonstrate the synthesis of Ag2S nanostructure, as well as their applications in solar cells. In this article, the recent development of methods for synthesizing Ag2S quantum dots and Ag2S-based solar cells is reviewed. Especially metal oxide/Ag2S-based solar cells, Ag2S quantum dots, dye co-sensitized solar cells and inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells have been detailed. Ag2S quantum dots, with broad light absorption band and extensive absorption coefficient, have shown large potential in fabricating quantum dot-sensitized solar cells as well as polymer solar cells.