Nanomaterials

Chapter 3Graphene for Advanced Organic Photovoltaics

Tanvir Arfin^* and Shoeb Athar

Environmental Materials Division, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur India

^*Corresponding author: [e-mail]

Abstract

Graphene is a promising one-atom-thick 2D material of nanoscale dimensions with sp²-hybridized hexagonal carbon network having unusual properties such as excellent transparency, exception charge transport characteristics, high mechanical strength, and thermal stability, which has rendered it an ideal material for countless applications, specifically energy conversion and energy storage applications including super-capacitors, photovoltaic (PV) cells, fuel cells, etc. Out of these myriad applications, the development of advanced PV cells that can efficiently convert sunrays into electricity has particularly warranted great attention of research fraternity as it entails the solution of a very challenging prospective energy and global warming problems. This chapter summarizes and briefly discusses, with selected examples and findings, the recent progress in graphene applications as transparent electrodes, acceptor material, interfacial layer, etc. in organic photovoltaic devices.

Keywords: Graphene, organic photovoltaics, transparent electrode, acceptor material, interfacial layer

3.1 Introduction

Material science plays a critical role in our life as it provides the scope for designing and developing new materials via synthesis ...