Physicochemical properties of graphene nanocomposites for solar cell applications

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Photovoltaics based on nanocomposites involving graphene are promising for future renewable energy applications. In this field, we strive to build a partnership between Concordia University and the company KWI Kunststoffwerk Industrie Inc. (KWI) which established a novel bottom-up method to produce nanographene of high structural and chemical purity. Their graphene shows lateral dimensions on the two- to three-digit nanometer length scale, as deduced from preliminary Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy investigations. Based on comprehensive physicochemical analysis using Raman spectroscopy, electrochemistry, optical spectroscopy and grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation we will optimize the preparation protocol to result in even higher reproducibility of the manufacturing process by KWI. We will then form nanocomposite hybrid materials employing the optimized nanographene with silicon cadmium sulphate with and without tungsten trioxide. Finally, we will establish application-relevant heterostructures based on these nanocomposites. There, we will employ photo-initiated chemical vapor deposition to functionalize graphene and explore the impact of this functionalization on the nanocomposite formation to assess its prospect for photovoltaic applications. Our project provides a promising training environment for HQP, a postdoctoral research associate and a graduate student as research assistant. They will highly benefit from the collaboration with our industrial partner which will provide them professional skills which cannot be acquired through academic training alone. In turn, KWI will benefit from a knowledge-based optimization of their product and will therefrom establish a reliable preparation protocol for nanographene to be then commercialized for solar cell applications.