Perovskite quantum dots for sustainable energy technologies: Engineering, stability, and multifunctional applications

Perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) offer tunable optoelectronic properties for energy technologies, yet their practical value depends on reconciling device performance with operational stability, scalable processing, and environmental responsibility. This review critically connects compositional engineering, quantum confinement, and surface chemistry with degradation mechanisms and device-specific functionality across photovoltaics, photoassisted Li–O₂ batteries, radioluminescent nuclear batteries, and hybrid solar–mechanical harvesting. Its distinctive contribution is an application-spanning assessment that examines how material design and stabilization strategies influence functional benefits, performance trade-offs, and sustainability requirements. Quantitative comparisons distinguish device metrics from optical and structural descriptors and identify limitations arising from inconsistent testing conditions and incomplete durability reporting. The analysis indicates that recycled lead precursors can approach commercial-precursor photovoltaic performance, while confinement and polymer integration offer complementary routes to stabilize PQDs and support multifunctional operation. However, efficiency gains and short-term stability demonstrations remain insufficient evidence of practical readiness, and precursor recycling alone does not establish lifecycle sustainability. Future progress therefore requires application-specific durability benchmarks, transparent performance reporting, scalable synthesis, and quantitative evaluation of resource use and end-of-life management.