Role of quantum dots in photoelectrocatalytic technology

G. Xavier Castillo-Cabrera; Steven Vélez-Zambrano; Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero

doi:10.1038/s42004-025-01775-w

Role of quantum dots in photoelectrocatalytic technology

G. Xavier Castillo-Cabrera
, Steven Vélez-Zambrano
, Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

Abstract

Quantum dots (QDs) function as photon sensitizers in photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), enhancing the ability of bulk materials to harness a broad spectrum of photon energy. Through precise engineering, QDs facilitate the development of advanced strategies to synthesize high-performance photoelectrodes that improve the efficiency of light-driven technologies. This review highlights valuable insights in integrating QDs into PEC systems, focusing on heterojunction-mediated charge transfer. We explore their unique optoelectronic properties, the enhancement of conventional photoanodes and photocathodes, and strategies to optimize interfacial charge transfer dynamics for efficient photon-to-energy conversion. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of QD-based PEC technology. (Figure presented.)

Original language	English
Article number	394
Journal	Communications Chemistry
Volume	8
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/s42004-025-01775-w
State	Published - Dec 2025

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title = "Role of quantum dots in photoelectrocatalytic technology",

abstract = "Quantum dots (QDs) function as photon sensitizers in photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), enhancing the ability of bulk materials to harness a broad spectrum of photon energy. Through precise engineering, QDs facilitate the development of advanced strategies to synthesize high-performance photoelectrodes that improve the efficiency of light-driven technologies. This review highlights valuable insights in integrating QDs into PEC systems, focusing on heterojunction-mediated charge transfer. We explore their unique optoelectronic properties, the enhancement of conventional photoanodes and photocathodes, and strategies to optimize interfacial charge transfer dynamics for efficient photon-to-energy conversion. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of QD-based PEC technology. (Figure presented.)",

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AU - Castillo-Cabrera, G. Xavier

AU - Vélez-Zambrano, Steven

AU - Espinoza-Montero, Patricio J.

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2025.

PY - 2025/12

Y1 - 2025/12

N2 - Quantum dots (QDs) function as photon sensitizers in photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), enhancing the ability of bulk materials to harness a broad spectrum of photon energy. Through precise engineering, QDs facilitate the development of advanced strategies to synthesize high-performance photoelectrodes that improve the efficiency of light-driven technologies. This review highlights valuable insights in integrating QDs into PEC systems, focusing on heterojunction-mediated charge transfer. We explore their unique optoelectronic properties, the enhancement of conventional photoanodes and photocathodes, and strategies to optimize interfacial charge transfer dynamics for efficient photon-to-energy conversion. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of QD-based PEC technology. (Figure presented.)

AB - Quantum dots (QDs) function as photon sensitizers in photoelectrocatalysis (PEC), enhancing the ability of bulk materials to harness a broad spectrum of photon energy. Through precise engineering, QDs facilitate the development of advanced strategies to synthesize high-performance photoelectrodes that improve the efficiency of light-driven technologies. This review highlights valuable insights in integrating QDs into PEC systems, focusing on heterojunction-mediated charge transfer. We explore their unique optoelectronic properties, the enhancement of conventional photoanodes and photocathodes, and strategies to optimize interfacial charge transfer dynamics for efficient photon-to-energy conversion. Finally, we discuss the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of QD-based PEC technology. (Figure presented.)

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105024689743

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DO - 10.1038/s42004-025-01775-w

M3 - Artículo de revisión

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SN - 2399-3669

VL - 8

JO - Communications Chemistry

JF - Communications Chemistry

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ER -

Role of quantum dots in photoelectrocatalytic technology

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