Selenium (Se) based semiconductor materials have attracted renewed interest in photovoltaic (PV) research due to their favourable optoelectronic properties, cost effectiveness and compatibility with thin film technologies. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of selenium as a functional material for solar energy conversion, focusing on its structural, electrical and optical characteristics in both amorphous and crystalline forms. The influence of fabrication techniques such as thermal evaporation, sputtering and chemical deposition on film quality and device performance is critically examined. Recent advancements in selenium based photovoltaics, including nanostructured systems, doped materials and heterojunction architectures are discussed with emphasis on efficiency enhancement mechanisms and charge transport behavior. Furthermore, key challenges such as limited power conversion efficiency, material stability and scalability issues are analyzed. The review also outlines emerging research directions, including hybrid structures and advanced nanomaterials, aimed at improving the performance and commercial viability of selenium based solar cells. Overall, this study highlights the potential of selenium as a promising candidate for next generation photovoltaic applications.

Keywords

Selenium; Photovoltaics; Semiconductor Materials; Thin-Film Solar Cells; Band Gap; Photoconductivity; Nanostructures; Heterojunction Devices; Solar Energy Conversion