Recent developments in II–VI and III–VI semiconductors and their applications in solar cells

Abstract

Compound semiconductors formed from II–VI or III–VI elements are key materials in plans to harvest energy directly from sunlight in photovoltaic devices. This review summarises the recent advances in thin film deposition and nanocrystallite synthesis. Current work has significant potential for low-cost, scalable solar cells. The close interplay between the properties of the materials and their utility in solar cells is also briefly discussed.