Enhancing Silicon Solar Cell Efficiency through Graphene Integration: A Review of Recent Advances

Uma Harikrishnan ¹*

This review underscores graphene's transformative potential in improving silicon solar cell efficiency, crucial for advancing renewable energy technologies and sustainability.

Abstract

Background: Solar cells play a crucial role in renewable energy, contributing to sustainable development and a clean environment. This review investigates the integration of Graphene, a groundbreaking two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, in enhancing solar cell performance. Objective: The primary aim is to elucidate how Graphene enhances the efficiency, stability, and durability of various solar cell technologies, particularly silicon-based systems. Methods: This review synthesizes recent research findings on Graphene's unique properties—such as electrical conductivity, transparency, mechanical strength, and chemical stability—and their applications in different solar cell types, including perovskite, quantum dot, hybrid, dye-sensitized, and organic solar cells. Results: The integration of Graphene has been shown to improve charge transport and collection efficiency. Its role as a transparent conductive layer, passivation layer, and charge transport layer has significantly enhanced the overall efficiency and longevity of silicon solar cells. Recent advancements highlight the potential of Graphene to address current limitations in silicon solar technologies, contributing to next-generation photovoltaic systems. Conclusion: Graphene emerges as a transformative material for enhancing solar cell efficiency and stability. Continued research is essential to overcome integration challenges and optimize Graphene's performance in solar applications, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.

Keywords: Graphene, Solar Cells, Renewable Energy, Photovoltaic Efficiency, Nanomaterials

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