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Graphene-based nanomaterials for solar cells 145

Organic photovoltaic cell

Glass substrate
Anode (ITO) / (FTO)
Hole transport layer

Graphene as acceptor
Cathode (metal)

Fig. 7.4 Graphene-based material in organic-based solar cells.

chapter, we summarized the performance and photovoltaic parameters of graphene-
based materials as transparent conducting electrodes, electron/hole transport lay-
ers, and cathode electrodes in OPV. In line with this work, researchers have used
graphene-based materials in tandem types of solar cells to improve photovoltaic
performances.

7.5 Conclusion

This chapter summarized the recent advances in the components and the photo-
voltaic performances of graphene-based nanomaterials in solar cell applications.
Currently, graphene-based materials are established as efficient candidates to re-
place or modify the existing components in solar cells. These materials can be used,
for example, as transparent conductive electrodes, semiconducting layers, sensitiz-
ers, electrolytes, electron-hole transport layers, and counter electrodes in solar cells.
So far, the various graphene-based materials that have been investigated have shown
enhanced or comparable performances to those of conventional devices. However,
in order to utilize the full potential of graphene inorganic nanocomposites in pho-
tovoltaic devices, certain challenges need to be addressed: (i) controlled synthesis
of graphene, free from other chemical residues, is necessary in order to achieve the
enhanced performance of graphene in solar cells; and (ii) because defect-induced or
doped graphene exhibits higher activity than pristine graphene, it would be helpful
to optimize the defect concentration during the preparation of graphene, which is a
rather challenging task.

Acknowledgment

The authors greatly appreciate the kind help given by Mr. Tamilselvan Appadurai
during the preparation of this chapter.