Ligand-Assisted Reconstruction of Colloidal Quantum Dots Decreases Trap State Density

Increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells has relied on improving the passivation of CQD surfaces, enhancing CQD coupling and charge transport, and advancing device architecture. The presence of hydroxyl groups on the nanoparticle surface, as well as dimers—fusion between CQDs—has been found to be the major source of trap states, detrimental to optoelectronic properties and device performance....