Carbon‐Based Electrodes for Organic Solar Cells

In this mini-review, we discuss and summarize the recent progress of carbon-electrode materials and their applications in the field of organic photovoltaics, particularly how they work as alternatives to conventional TCO and metal electrodes. We expect this mini-review will inspire more research efforts to develop high-performance OSC-matched carbon materials for more efficient and stable carbon-electrode-based organic solar devices.

Abstract

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are a promising low-cost thin-film photovoltaic technology while the fabrication of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) and metal electrodes still remains a factor that hinders the scaling-up and commercialization of OSCs. Carbon-based materials are regarded as potential alternatives due to their excellent properties, such as low cost, solution processibility, high conductance, and good chemical stability. In this mini-review, the recent progress of carbon-based materials such as graphite, carbon nanosheets, graphene, and carbon nanotubes to replace the TCO and metal electrodes of OSCs is surveyed. The preparation methods of different carbon-based materials are also discussed. Based on current progress, we summarize the outlooks and challenges of carbon-based electrodes. We anticipate this mini-review will inspire more research efforts to develop high-performance and OSC-matched carbon materials for more efficient and stable carbon-electrode-based OSCs.

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