Prospects of Chalcopyrite-Type Nanocrystals for Energy Applications

Abstract

Colloidal chalcopyrite-type nanocrystals M+M3+E2 (M+ = Cu, Ag; M3+ = In, Fe; E = S, Se) are an emerging class of materials used in energy conversion systems, owing to their high absorption coefficients, nontoxicity, and appropriate band gaps. Their properties can be tuned by varying their size and composition, and they are characterized by peculiar photophysical properties due to a high density of intra band gap electronic states, which arise from defects in the crystal structure and from trap states at the surface. In this Perspective we first discuss optical and electrochemical studies, which give insight into the electronic structure of chalcopyrite nanocrystals. In the second part, their exploitation for energy conversion is highlighted, in particular their use in photovoltaics (with power conversion efficiencies already exceeding 10%) as well as in luminescent solar concentrators, photocatalytic systems, and thermoelectrics. Finally, we discuss current challenges in the chemistry and applications of the title compounds.