Recent advances in the synergistic effects of organic conjugated materials and quantum dots on solar cells

Quantum dot solar cells (QDSCs) have been noted for their exceptional optoelectronic properties, including strong light absorption and a tunable bandgap, which are vital for photovoltaic applications. However, quantum dots (QDs) are limited by their electronic properties and stability owing to the insulating nature of hydrocarbon ligands. The integration of organic conjugated materials (OCMs) into QDSCs has emerged as a promising strategy for overcoming these challenges by exploiting their multiple roles in QDSCs. In this review, we discuss and categorize the synergistic effects between OCMs and QDs in QDSCs, which accentuate crucial performance factors such as charge extraction and interdot conductivity, as well as recent research strategies for incorporating OCMs. Furthermore, we outline the fundamental principles for the efficient design of OCMs in QDSCs and offer strategic guidance for the development of high-performance QDSCs. We believe that this review provides in-depth insights necessary for creating new avenues for the development of advanced QDSCs.