Integrated Concentrators for Scalable High-Power Generation from Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells

Although record efficiencies in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells continue to increase, they are still demonstrated on impractically small-area devices. Concentrators can effectively enlarge the active area, allowing scaled-up energy harvesting. Here, we present an economical and scalable method to fabricate compact concentrators made from polydimethylsiloxane using 3D-printed molds, which are directly bonded to CQD solar cells. The resulting integrated systems deliver more than a 20-fold increase in photocurrent and power, as well as significant open circuit voltage enhancements, over the original cells. We use the integrated systems to identify limiting factors in CQD solar cell operation under high irradiance. Our method could pave the way to making practical high-power solution-processed solar cells.