Photovoltaic Applications of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

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The urgent need to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources in the twenty-first century has been driven by rising fuel prices and the escalating greenhouse effect caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV) solar cell technology offer hope for meeting this demand using sustainable energy sources. Significant advancements have been achieved in the field, indicating numerous possibilities to address the ongoing global energy crisis. Carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerene, have emerged as splendid applicants for photovoltaic solar cells. These materials are abundant on Earth, possess remarkable electrical properties, exhibit eminent optical absorption, and demonstrate paramount thermal and photostability. Graphene-based solar cells have already achieved notable breakthroughs in PV technology. However, reducing manufacturing costs through the utilization of cost-effective nanostructured materials and processes remains a crucial concern. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of various types of PV technologies using carbon-based materials.