Semiconductor-based composite materials: Preparation, properties, and performance

A diverse array of semiconductor-based composite materials have been prepared, characterized, and utilized in many applications ranging from photocatalysis, photovoltaic cells, photoelectrochromic displays, and light-emitting devices to sensors. The composite architectures (nanoarchitectures in many cases) are equally diverse. In this review, we highlight the advances that have been made and identify some of the gaps in our current knowledge of these materials. Size quantization effects and semiconductor quantum dots are also discussed.