Abstract Recently, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has introduced an innovative technique for applying nanowires onto flexible graphene sheets. This breakthrough enables the production of affordable, transparent, and bendable solar cells that can be integrated into various surfaces like windows, roofs, and even curved objects. The technology opens up new possibilities for widespread use of solar energy in everyday environments.
The latest findings were published in the recent issue of *Nano Express*, with contributions from MIT postdoctoral researchers Park Hye-Sing and Zhang Shenggen (transliterated), along with associate professor of materials science and engineering, Servijie Gretke, and other members of the research team. Eight scientists from MIT collaborated on this groundbreaking study.
Currently, most solar panels are made from silicon, which requires extensive purification, crystallization, and cutting processes, making them expensive. To address this, many researchers are exploring alternatives such as nanostructured materials or hybrid solar cells. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is commonly used as a transparent electrode in these next-generation solar technologies.
"Although ITO remains the top choice for transparent electrodes—like those found in smartphone touchscreens—it contains indium, a costly element," said Gretke. "In contrast, graphene is composed of carbon, which is abundant and inexpensive."
Gretke believes that graphene could serve as a promising replacement for ITO. Beyond its low cost, it offers advantages such as flexibility, light weight, strong mechanical properties, and excellent chemical stability.
However, directly constructing semiconductor nanostructures on pure graphene without compromising its electrical and structural integrity is a major challenge. To overcome this, Gretke and his team applied a series of polymer coatings to modify the graphene’s surface, allowing it to bond with a layer of zinc oxide nanowires. They then added sulfide quantum dots to capture light, as well as a polymer known as P3HT, which plays a key role in the photovoltaic process.
"While there are some changes in the intrinsic properties of graphene, the resulting composite material shows great potential," noted the researcher.
The MIT team confirmed that the efficiency of graphene-based electrodes is comparable to that of ITO. Although the power conversion efficiency of the graphene-based system is 4.2% lower than that of traditional silicon batteries, it holds promise for specialized applications in the future.
Zhang Shenggen, the lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, added that unlike other semiconductors that require high-temperature processing, the graphene-coated zinc oxide nanowire structure can operate efficiently at temperatures below 175°C. This makes it more compatible with flexible and lightweight devices.Countersunk Close End Blind Rivets
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