HTMs with a planar core structure, extended-π system and electron-rich groups exhibited better intrinsic conductivity, which enhanced the photovoltaic performance.

The architecture of the electron transport layer strongly influences the device efficiency, long-term stability, and hysteresis behavior of perovskite solar cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have raised research interest in scientific community because their power conversion efficiency is comparable to that of traditional commercial solar cells (i.e., amorphous Si, GaAs, and CdTe). Apart from that, PSCs are lightweight, are flexible, and have low production costs. Recently, graphene has been used as a novel material for PSC applications due to its excellent optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. The hydrophobic nature of graphene surface can provide protection against air moisture from the surrounding medium, which can improve the lifetime of devices. Herein, we review recent developments in the use of graphene for PSC applications as a conductive electrode, carrier transporting material, and stabilizer material. By exploring the application of graphene in PSCs, a new class of strategies can be developed to improve the device performance and stability before it can be commercialized in the photovoltaic market in the near future.

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Tin (IV) oxide (SnO 2 ) is a stable semiconductor and has been used in a wide range of applications. In this work, aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) technique is employed to deposit SnO 2 thin film with different layer thicknesses by controlling the deposition time. The morphological and optical properties of SnO 2 layer are investigated thoroughly to understand the relationship between the deposition time and SnO 2 performance in photoelectrochemical cells. The bandgap energy of all SnO 2 thin films is determined to be 3.65 eV. However, from linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) analysis, it is found that SnO 2 layer deposited for 15 min, which produced a layer with thickness of about 50 nm, showed the best photocurrent performance (30.7 mA cm À2 at 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) compared to their thinner or thicker counterparts. The right thickness enables the formation of a film with complete surface coverage, which effectively prevents current leakage and allows optimum light absorption. Besides, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis confirms that 50 nm thick SnO 2 layer possesses fastest electron transfer property compared to thicker or thinner layers.

The utilization of conducting emeraldine salt (PANI-ES) and intrinsic leucoemeraldine polyaniline (PANI-LEB) in the synthesis of DGEBA-grafted PANI via anionic copolymerization is described. The structures of copolymers obtained were characterized by FTIR, 13 C and 1 H NMR. The extent of grafting was verified by THF Soxhlet (solvent extraction). The thermal properties of these new copolymers were described and their conductivities were reported. Results obtained indicated that the graft copolymer exhibited higher electrical and thermal conductivities than that of the blend counterpart.