Sunlight-activated graphene-heterostructure transparent cathodes: Enabling high-performance n-graphene/p-Si Schottky junction photovoltaics
Journal
Energy and Environmental Science
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
7
Pages
2085-2092
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Ho, P.-H.
Lee, W.-C.
Liou, Y.-T.
Chiu, Y.-P.
Shih, Y.-S.
Chen, C.-C.
Su, P.-Y.
Li, M.-K.
Chen, H.-L.
Liang, C.-T.
Abstract
Compared to widely-reported graphene-based anodes, the task of obtaining a stable graphene-based cathode is generally more difficult to achieve because n-type graphene devices have very limited thermal and chemical stabilities, and are usually sensitive to the influence of the ambient environment. This work developed a novel "sunlight-activated" graphene-heterostructure transparent electrode in which photogenerated charges from a light-absorbing material are transferred to graphene, resulting in the modulation of electrical properties of the graphene transparent electrode caused by a strong light-matter interaction at graphene-heterostructure interfaces. A photoactive graphene/TiOx-heterostructure transparent cathode was used to fabricate an n-graphene/p-Si Schottky junction solar cell, achieving a record-high power conversion efficiency (>10%). The photoactive graphene-heterostructure transparent electrode, which exhibits excellent tunable electrical properties under sunlight illumination, has great potential for use in the future development of graphene-based photovoltaics and optoelectronics. © 2015 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
SDGs
Other Subjects
Cathodes; Graphene devices; Solar cells; Transparent electrodes; Absorbing materials; Ambient environment; Heterostructure interfaces; High power conversion; Light-matter interactions; Photogenerated charge; Thermal and chemical stabilities; Transparent cathode; Graphene; alkene; electrical property; electrode; energy efficiency; fuel cell; performance assessment; photovoltaic system; stabilization
Type
journal article