2D-Nanolayer (2D-NL)-Based Hybrid Materials: A Next-Generation Material for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, an electrifying family of innovative materials, have recently attracted wide attention due to their remarkable characteristics, primarily their high optical transparency, exceptional metallic conductivity, high mechanical strength, carrier mobility, tunable band gap values, and optimum work function. Interestingly, 2D-nanosheets/nanolayers (2D-NLs) might be synthesized into single/multi-layers using simple processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), chemical bath deposition (CBD), and mechanical and liquid-phase exfoliation processes that simply enhance optoelectronic properties. However, the stability of 2D-NLs is one of the most significant challenges that limits their commercialization. Researchers have been focusing on the stability of 2D-NLs with the aim of developing next-generation solar cells. Easily tunable distinctive 2D-NLs that are based on the synthesis process, surface functional groups, and modification with other materials/hybrid materials thereby improve the stability of the 2D-NLs and their applicability to the hole transport layer (HTL) and the electron transport layer (ETL) in solar cells. Moreover, metal/non-metal-based dopants significantly enhance band gap ability and subsequently improve the efficacy of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this context, research has focused on 2D-NL-based photoanodes and working electrodes that improve the photoconversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of DSSCs. Herein, we mainly focus on synthesizing 2D-NLs, challenges during synthesis, stability, and high-performing DSSCs.

Carbon-based two-dimensional (2D) materials: a next generation biocidal agent

“…CB-2D-Ms can provide mechanical flexibility together with large surface area and pore size distribution. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Additionally, several studies have shown that CB-2D-Ms can effectively inhibit the growth of various bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Usually, their antibacterial activity can be attributed to various mechanisms, such as disruption of bacterial cell membranes, oxidative stress, and inhibition of bacterial adhesion.…”

Graphene oxide doping in tropical almond (terminalia catappa L.) fruits extract mediated green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles for improved DSSC power conversion efficiency

“…One important characteristic of semiconductors is crystallite size, which affects electron transport properties within the semiconductor [ 11 , 12 ]. Furthermore, device performance can be improved via dopant addition, which improves the electron transport properties [ 13 ]. For example, doping with graphene oxide can improve electron transfer properties in DSSC [ 14 ].…”

Application of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) as Dyes and Additives for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

“…Additionally, various carbon forms, carbon nanotubes, graphite, graphene, graphene doped with oligothiophene [ 44 ], and materials such as 2D-Nanolayer (2D-NL)-Based Hybrid Materials (either electron-transport layers (ETLs) or hole-transport layers (HTLs)), can also be used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, they present some drawbacks, such as low stability and a low photo conversion efficiency (PCE), because the stability of these materials is one of the major challenges following the development of DSSCs [ 45 ].…”