Recent Developments in Graphene/Polymer Nanocomposites for Application in Polymer Solar Cells

Polymers (Basel). 2018 Feb 22;10(2):217. doi: 10.3390/polym10020217.

Abstract

Graphene (G) and its derivatives, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have enormous potential for energy applications owing to their 2D structure, large specific surface area, high electrical and thermal conductivity, optical transparency, and huge mechanical strength combined with inherent flexibility. The combination of G-based materials with polymers leads to new nanocomposites with enhanced structural and functional properties due to synergistic effects. This review briefly summarizes recent progress in the development of G/polymer nanocomposites for use in polymer solar cells (PSCs). These nanocomposites have been explored as transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs), active layers (ALs) and interfacial layers (IFLs) of PSCs. Photovoltaic parameters, such as the open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF) and power-conversion efficiency (PCE) are compared for different device structures. Finally, future perspectives are discussed.

Keywords: active layer; conductive polymer; electrode; graphene; graphene oxide; interfacial layer; nanocomposite; power-conversion efficiency; solar cell.

Publication types

  • Review