Core-Shell Colloidal Quantum Dots for Energy Conversion

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are promising building blocks in optoelectronic devices, mainly due to their size/shape/composition-tunable properties. Core–shell QDs, in particular, offer enhanced stability, mitigated photoluminescence blinking, and suppressed non-radiative recombination compared to plain QDs, making them highly promising for energy conversion applications such as photovoltaic devices, luminescent solar concentrators, solar-driven hydrogen production, and light-emitting diodes. Here, a comprehensive analysis of core–shell QDs in energy conversion technologies is provided. Emerging design strategies are explored and various synthetic methods focusing on optimizing band structure, band alignment, and optical properties are critically explored. Insights into the structure-property relationship are discussed, highlighting recent advancements and the most effective strategies to enhance energy conversion performance. The review is concluded by addressing key challenges and proposing future research directions, emphasizing the need for rational design, precise synthesis, effective surface engineering, and the integration of machine learning to achieve optimized properties for technological applications.