In this study, we provide the reader with an overview of quantum dot application in solar cells to replace dye molecules, where the quantum dots play a key role in photon absorption and excited charge generation in the device. The brief shows the types of quantum dot sensitized solar cells and presents the obtained results of them for each type of cell, and provides the advantages and disadvantages. Lastly, methods are proposed to improve the efficiency performance in the next researching.

Highly ordered mesoporous TiO₂ modified by CdS, CdSe, and ZnS quantum dots (QDs) was fabricated by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The quantity of material deposition seems to be affected not only by the employed deposition method but also and mainly by the nature of the underlying layer. The CdS, CdSe, and ZnS QDs modification expands the photoresponse range of mesoporous TiO₂ from ultraviolet region to visible range, as confirmed by UV-Vis spectrum. Optimized anode electrodes led to solar cells producing high current densities. Pt, CuS, PbS, and Cu₂S have been used as electrocatalysts on counter electrodes. The maximum solar conversion efficiency reached in this work was 1.52% and was obtained by using Pt electrocatalyst. CuS, PbS, and Cu₂S gave high currents and this was in line with the low charge transfer resistances recorded in their case.

The past few years have been great years for semiconductor quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs). For the first time, efficiency exceeding 15% has been reported. This has narrowed the gap with other emerging solar cell technologies such as dye‐sensitized solar cells and thin film solar cells. In this miniperspective, the reason for such improvement is briefly reviewed. Few advancements have been identified that are responsible for the performance breakthrough in QDSSCs. These included better performance of sensitizer materials used, the use of doping agents, and surface passivation strategy.