Materials for Solar Photovoltaics: A Comprehensive Review of Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions

This review evaluates the role of advanced materials in optimizing the efficiency, sustainability, and market integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies. Our work bridges insights from both mature (crystalline silicon (c-Si)) and novel perovskites (PSs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and quantum dot solar cell (QDSC) materials, thereby providing a unified view of the present and the future of PV research. We highlight the key breakthroughs for the different material classes, describing their unique features, record performance, and contribution to lowering the cost of solar energy. In particular, while some progress has been made, we recognize that challenges such as the stability of the device under varying environmental conditions, the environmental impact of the materials, and the scalability of the manufacturing processes are still there. In conclusion, we give an overview of the research topics that can pave the way for the future. We support the formation of hybrid structures, the finding of lead-free alternatives, multi-junction architectures, and integrated solutions that not only help to overcome the current limitations but also facilitate the global energy transition.