In this review we present new concepts and recent progress in the application of semiconductor quantum dots (QD) as labels in two important areas of biology, bioimaging and biosensing.

This review is focused on new concepts and recent progress in the development of three major quantum dot (QD) based optoelectronic devices: photovoltaic cells, photodetectors and LEDs.

There is a great need for solar cell based energy resources due to the rapid growth in price of fossil fuels and the great danger of increasing greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide emission. Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) offer a very useful and promising approach to improve solar energy harvesting and increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. In this feature article, we review the progress on the utilisation of semiconducting nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) in LSCs. We consider basic operating principles and parameters of LSCs, requirements of QD characteristics theoretical modelling, design and main approaches for fabrication of QD-based LSCs. Finally, we provide a brief outlook on the future development of this research area, particularly preparation of new core–shell QD structures and creation of second-generation LSC devices for the future solar cell market.

This review presents recent advances in the development of various chiroptically active quantum nanostructures.