Recent advances in transition metal oxide nanomaterials for solar cell applications: A status review and technology perspectives

Abstract

Advanced transition metal oxide nanomaterials are promising candidates and have attracted more and more interest. Due to their excellent charge transport capabilities, transition metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂, ZnO, Fe₂O₃) have become important in advanced solar cell technology. This report discusses the importance of these materials in enhancing solar cell performance, whether individually or as components of composite structures, which significantly increase light absorption, charge carrier separation, and the overall efficiency of solar cells. These composite materials also enhance stability and durability, making them suitable for long-term renewable energy applications. The bandgap of transition metal oxides can be adjusted using doping, compound formation, and heterojunctions, which enhance their physical, electronic, and optical properties, especially visible light absorption. The heterojunctions of transition metal oxides/silicon are becoming a promising substitute for traditional p-n junctions, while perovskite solar cells. This review article elaborates synthesis, characterization, and prominent solar cell applications of transition metal oxide nanomaterials in solar cell fabrication. It offers the essential direction for turning scientific discoveries into useful applications and acts as a springboard for developing innovative nanostructures with improved performances.