Organic Nanostructured Materials for Sustainable Application in Next Generation Solar Cells
Source abstract
Abstract
Meeting our current energy demands requires a reliable and efficient renewable energy source that will bring balance between power generation and energy consumption. Organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), perovskite solar cells and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are among the next-generation technologies that are progressing as potential sustainable renewable energy sources. Since the discoveries of highly conductive organic charge-transfer compounds in the 1950s, organic semiconductors have captured attention. Organic photovoltaic solar cells possess key characteristics ideal for emerging next-generation technologies such as being nontoxic, abundant, an inexpensive nanomaterial with ease of production, including production under ambient conditions. In this review article, we discuss recent methods developed towards improving the stability and average efficiency of nanostructured materials in OPVs aimed at sustainable agriculture and improve land-use efficiency. A comprehensive overview on developing cost-effective and user-friendly organic solar cells to contribute towards improved environmental stability is provided. We also summarize recent advances in the synthetic methods used to produce nanostructured active absorber layers of OPVs with improved efficiencies to supply the energy required towards ending poverty and protecting the planet.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Perovskite Materials and Applications · Conducting polymers and applications · Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
NanoChemistry and Electroanalytical Sensor Technologies, Sensor Lab., Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd., Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
Funding
Food and Beverages Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA)
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