Graphene and its derivatives, synthesis route, and mechanism for photovoltaic solar cell applications

• Main Authors: Low F.W., Lai C.W., Samsudin N.A., Yusoff Y., Goh S.M., Chau C.F., Shakeri M., Amin N., Tiong S.K.
• Other Authors: 56513524700
• Format: Book Chapter
• Published: Elsevier 2023
• Institution: Universiti Tenaga Nasional

Solar energy is one of the sustainable free natural sources from the sun. It is inexhaustible, nonpolluting, and does not emit any greenhouse gases during electrical energy conversion. This clean technology reduces the impact of global warming by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels-based electricity generation. To bring photovoltaic (PV) solar technology to the point of commercial sustainability in terms of performance and cost effectiveness, substantial research into the development of a highly efficient solar cell system is essential. Recent studies have indicated that nanostructured-like two-dimensional graphene material is a promising sustainable functional material with unique properties that could enhance the efficiency of every generation of PV cell technologies. In fact, a one-atom thick layer of graphene structure, which comprises sp2-hybridized carbon atoms, can provide extraordinarily high electron charge carrier mobilities to the related PV cell applications, especially organic aspect devices. It offers excellent electronic conduction levels due to the occurrence of a free pi (?) electron for each carbon atom. In addition, further improvement can be made by incorporating an optimum content of semiconductor metal oxides with graphene material to further enhance the efficiency of the PV. Notably, graphene-based metal oxide materials would facilitate photon absorption and minimize the recombination centers due to their narrowing bandgap energy. In this chapter, different synthesis strategies and nanoarchitectures of graphene and graphene/metal oxide-based PV applications are studied in detail. New approaches in the synthesis of high-quality graphene and graphene/metal oxide are essential for enhancing the overall efficiency of the PV solar cell. The material presented in this chapter has the potential to stimulate innovation in the synthesis of high-quality graphene and graphene/metal oxide materials. � 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.