The photovoltaic (PV) market is currently dominated by silicon based solar cells. However technological diversification is essential to promote competition, which is the driving force for technological growth. Historically, the choice of PV materials has been limited to the three-dimensional (3D) compounds with a high crystal symmetry and direct band gap. However, to meet the strict demands for sustainable PV applications, material space has been expanded beyond 3D compounds. In this perspective we discuss the potential of low-dimensional materials (2D, 1D) for application in PVs. We present unique features of low-dimensional materials in context of their suitability in the solar cells. The band gap, absorption, carrier dynamics, mobility, defects, surface states and growth kinetics are discussed and compared to 3D counterparts, providing a comprehensive view of prospects of low-dimensional materials. Structural dimensionality leads to a highly anisotropic carrier transport, complex defect chemistry and peculiar growth dynamics. By providing fundamental insights into these challenges we aim to deepen the understanding of low-dimensional materials and expand the scope of their application. Finally, we discuss the current research status and development trend of solar cell devices made of low-dimensional materials.

光伏（PV）市场目前由硅基太阳能电池主导。然而，技术多样化对于促进竞争是必不可少的，竞争是技术增长的驱动力。从历史上看，光伏材料的选择仅限于具有高晶体对称性和直接带隙的三维 (3D) 化合物。然而，为了满足可持续光伏应用的严格要求，材料空间已经扩展到 3D 化合物之外。从这个角度来看，我们讨论了低维材料（2D、1D）在 PV 中的应用潜力。我们介绍了低维材料在太阳能电池中的适用性的独特特征。讨论了带隙、吸收、载流子动力学、迁移率、缺陷、表面状态和生长动力学，并与 3D 对应物进行了比较，提供低维材料前景的综合视图。结构维度导致高度各向异性的载流子传输、复杂的缺陷化学和特殊的生长动力学。通过提供对这些挑战的基本见解，我们旨在加深对低维材料的理解并扩大其应用范围。最后，讨论了低维材料太阳能电池器件的研究现状和发展趋势。