Graphene has the characteristic of having an excellent conductivity, this kingdom to its transparency makes the element that can transform the future of solar energy. Research with Graphene confirms that the next generation of solar panels will be more efficient, durable and economic, if we use this nanocrystal as an electrode conductor in the photovoltaic applications.
What exactly is graphene?
Graphene is a substance composed of carbon, in which the atoms are arranged in a hexagonal shape. Its structure is similar to graphite, but its density is the same as that of a carbon fiber, with up to five times lighter than aluminum.
Due to its thickness as thin as a carbon atom, this nanomaterial is considered 2D. On the other hand, in spite of his fine thickness it is up to 200 times stronger than steel. We must add to the characteristics of the graphene that it is a great conductor of heat and electricity, and it is also transparent, waterproof and flexible.
But let’s see the properties of graphene:
- It is up to 100 times harder than steel and diamond
- It is transparent
- It is elastic and very flexible
- Has the ability to self-cool
- It has high thermal and electrical conductivity
- It reacts chemically with other substances
- It is Very Light
- It generates electricity in contact with light
- It can be chemically modified
- It can repair itself, that is to say, when a sheet of graphene suffers damage, the carbon atoms is responsible for repairing the problem
- Absorbs radioactive waste
All these characteristics have made that many researchers are interested in Graphene as an alternative for different applications. It can be used as a component in electronic equipment, in high-speed cables, electrical super-batteries, flexible touch screens, in the most sensitive cameras, etc.
Therefore, the implementation of the graphene for use in solar cells is at the forefront of research in photovoltaic technology.
Graphene electrodes for solar cells
Andrew Watt, our expert in nanomaterials, has developed a research to produce synthetic graphene. To do this, we use the chemical vapor deposition, in this way, we will get variations in the state and morphology of the surface in order to adapt it better to use in solar cells.
The only obstacle of graphene is that for the time being presents a lower efficiency in energy conversion and a life shorter than the solar cells made of crystalline silicon. Therefore, the aim of our project is to explore the possibility of altering the state of the graphene chemically to improve their levels of efficiency. What we seek is to synthesize inorganic nanocrystals using a chemical solution.
Our method for the manufacture of semiconductor nanostructures on the graphene, through a process of engineering of interface, preserves the structural and electrical properties of graphene. This makes it a viable replacement in various configurations of the photovoltaic devices, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for the development of flexible photovoltaic devices. On the other hand, this structure can also be applied to a variety of nanoelectronic devices, such as LEDS.
In summary, we have developed the design of solar cells organic / inorganic hybrids that offer a range of attractive features, including improved conversion efficiencies. We are currently investigating other graphene flexible photovoltaic systems with electrodes based and actionable solution, with the aim of achieving the device performance comparable or superior to those of conventional counterparts.
On the other hand, it is important to note that we are not the only ones interested in graphene. Different studies and researches show that even by adding a small amount of graphene to a solar cell, makes the performance of the same increase up to three times in comparison with the type of conventional cells.
Also some manufacturers and suppliers of materials 2D are collaborating with companies of solar technology in research on the use of graphene. The point is to develop solar cells sensitized with improved graphene. The advantage is that the manufacture of thin-film solar cells implies a low cost. In addition to its low investment, also it has many other advantages of implementation.
