Recent progress in solar cells based on one-dimensional nanomaterials

To develop solar cells with high power conversion efficiencies is critical for the sustainable development of human society, but remains a challenge. It is well recognized that rapid charge separation, transport, and collection are beneficial for highly efficient solar cells and require the optimization of the microscopic structures and morphologies. One-dimensional nanomaterials favor charge transport and collection obtained from large specific surface areas and a one-dimensional configuration, which are properties widely used in the fabrication of solar cells. In this review, the recent progress in high-performance solar cells based on one-dimensional nanomaterials is comprehensively described, with an emphasis on the most explored metals, metal oxides, carbon and conductive polymers. The impact of the one-dimensional structure on device performance is highlighted to elucidate the advantages of such nanomaterials. The future development of one-dimensional nanomaterials towards next-generation solar cells is finally summarized.