Low-Cost RoHS Compliant Solution Processed Photovoltaics Enabled by Ambient Condition Synthesis of AgBiS2 Nanocrystals

Two major challenges exist before colloidal nanocrystal solar cells can take their place in the market: So far, these devices are based on Pb/Cd-containing nanocrystals, and second, the synthesis of these nanocrystals takes place in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperatures due to the use of air-sensitive chemicals. In this report, a room-temperature, ambient-air synthesis for nontoxic AgBiS 2 nanocrystals is presented. As this method utilizes stable precursors, the need for the use of a protective environment is eliminated, enabling the large-scale production of AgBiS 2 nanocrystals. The production cost of AgBiS 2 NCs at room temperature and under ambient conditions reduces by ∼60% compared to prior reports based on hot injection, and the solar cells made of these nanocrystals yield a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.5%, the highest reported to date for a colloidal nanocrystal material free of Pb or Cd synthesized at room temperature and under ambient conditions.