Graphene-functionalisation of solid-state dye sensitivity

The photovoltaic (PV) market is currently dominated by crystalline silicon solar cells (c-Si
SC), with < 21 % power conversion efficiency (PCE), but widespread use of this technology
is cost-limited. Alternatively, thin film solar cells (TFSC) can be manufactured cheaply but do
not perform comparably and degrade more quickly than c-Si SC. Although recent advances in
TFSC technology have been made using perovskite absorbing layers, a principle challenge in
PV cell design is optimising charge collection and a significant breakthrough is required to
achieve the theoretical maximum PCE. It has therefore been proposed that the unprecedented
electronic and structural properties of graphene offer a unique opportunity for a step change
improvement in TFSC efficiency and surface stability, through carefully engineered
incorporation of graphene into TFSC. The project aims to prove the concept of graphene
incorporation into thin film solid-state Dye Sensitised Solar Cells (ssDSC) based on
perovskite, fully exploring the possible efficiency gains, as well as improvements to the
surface properties of graphene encapsulated devices. The outcomes of a successful project can
be developed to produce a step change in SC performance, providing higher PCE at lower
cost than existing c-Si SC technologies, with reduced degradation.