Organic-inorganic nanocomposites composed of conjugated polymers and semiconductor nanocrystals for photovoltaics

Semiconductor organic-inorganic nanocomposites have garnered much attention as they integrate the advantageous properties from conjugated polymers (CPs) and semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs). Recent developments in interfacial engineering of CP-NC nanocomposites enabled the intimate contact between CPs and NCs, thereby facilitating charge separation between these two constituents. To capitalize on the use of CP-NC nanocomposites for hybrid solar cells, several issues need to be addressed, including materials design and engineering, light harvesting, and morphology of photoactive layer. In this Review, the general working principle of hybrid solar cells and the development of p-type and n-type CPs are briefly introduced, followed by the highlight of recent advances in synthesis of CP-NC nanocomposites in which CP and NC are in intimate contact for hybrid solar cells, and the discussion on various strategies for potentially improved power conversion efficiency. An outlook for future directions in this area is also presented.