Self-assembly of one-dimensional nanomaterials for cost-effective photovoltaics

As the demand for sustainable energy resources has grown rapidly in recent years, enormous effort is invested on cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. Nanomaterials are one class of candidate materials being explored for next generation photovoltaics while significant progress has been obtained currently. In this review article, we summarise the recent progress in this field and identify the key issues related to nanostructured solar cells. In particular, we highlight the technology which is based on self-assembly of synthetic nanopillars for photovoltaics. These research has casted a solid ground for future exploration using nanomaterials for cost-effective solar cells.