NANOCRYSTAL ARCHITECTURES FOR ENHANCED OPTOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN ENERGY HARVESTING AND STORAGE

Abstract

The nanocrystal architecture has revolutionized the field of optoelectronics, offering innovative solutions for energy harvesting and storage applications. This review examines the important role of optoelectronics devices in modern technology and highlights the limitations of traditional materials and introduces nanocrystal architecture as a promising solution. Nanocrystals are synthesized using various colloidal synthesis techniques and template assisted methods. The control on size, shape and composition of nanocrystal is very crucial to maximize the optoelectronic properties. In comparison to conventional materials, nanocrystals perform more efficiently due to key phenomena such the quantum confinement effect, which improves the tunability of bandgaps, absorption coefficients, and charge transport efficiency. Energy harvesting applications are also being investigated, such as the incorporation of nanocrystals into thin-film solar cells, extremely sensitive photodetectors, and photocatalytic devices for water splitting and solar-powered fuel cells. The review also discusses developments in energy storage, with particular attention on lithium-ion battery technology and nanocrystal-based supercapacitors, as well as hybrid devices that combine several other functions. The emerging field of 4D printing has a great potential to produce responsive material for adaptive energy solutions. The potential approaches including interface engineering and sophisticated packing control are discussed, along with the difficulties in creating high-efficiency nanocrystal-based systems. Finally, this review provides an outlook on the future of nanocrystal based optoelectronic devices emphasizing their transformative potential in energy harvesting and energy storage applications.