Semiconducting Quantum Dots for Energy Conversion and Storage

Abstract

Semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) have received huge attention for energy conversion and storage due to their unique characteristics, such as quantum size effect, multiple exciton generation effect, large surface-to-volume ratio, high density of active sites, and so on. However, the holistic and systematic understanding of the energy conversion and storage mechanism centering on QDs in specific application is still lacking. Herein, a comprehensive introduction of these extraordinary 0D materials, e.g., metal oxide, metal dichalcogenide, metal halides, multinary oxides, and nonmetal QDs, is presented. It starts with the synthetic strategies and unique properties of QDs. Highlights are focused on the rational design and development of advanced QDs-based materials for the various applications in energy-related fields, including photocatalytic H₂ production, photocatalytic CO₂ reduction, photocatalytic N₂ reduction, electrocatalytic H₂ evolution, electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, electrocatalytic N₂ fixation, electrocatalytic O₂ evolution, electrocatalytic O₂ reduction, solar cells, metal-ion batteries, lithium–sulfur batteries, metal–air batteries, and supercapacitors. At last, challenges and perspectives of semiconducting QDs for energy conversion and storage are detailedly proposed.