Open AccessModulating charge carriers in carbon dots toward efficient solar‐to‐energy conversion
Author(s) -
Kim Namhee,
Lee Jiyoung,
Gu Minsu,
Kim ByeongSu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
carbon energy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2637-9368
DOI - 10.1002/cey2.115
Subject(s) - energy transformation , materials science , charge carrier , nanomaterials , nanotechnology , solar energy , energy conversion efficiency , photovoltaic system , absorption (acoustics) , carbon fibers , engineering physics , optoelectronics , electrical engineering , physics , engineering , composite number , composite material , thermodynamics
Growing attention to the development of sustainable solar‐to‐energy conversion applications has resulted in the synthesis of promising and environment‐friendly nanomaterials as energy harvesters. Among various carbon nanomaterials, carbon dots (CDs) have received significant attention due to their excellent light absorption capability, broad absorption region, and superior photostability with enormous potential for solar energy applications. Therefore, utilizing and modulating the charge carriers generated from CDs is critical for achieving a high energy conversion efficiency of CDs. Herein, we focus on the distinct characteristics of CDs as energy converters from charge excitation to charge separation and transfer for various solar‐to‐energy applications, including photovoltaic cells, photocatalysts, and photoelectrocatalysts. We anticipate that this review will offer insight into the synthesis and design of novel nanocomposites with a fundamental analysis of the photochemical properties and future development of energy conversion devices.