A review of graphene based transparent conducting films for use in solar photovoltaic applications

Graphene has been recognised for its various excellent properties and its potential to be applied in various applications such as transparent conducting films (TCF), optoelectronic devices and energy storage. Graphene has been successfully synthesised by various methods including chemical vapour deposition (CVD), exfoliation and solution-processed. As-synthesised graphene has been used in various applications and its potentials have been realised. However, graphene performance has been compromised due to various factors. In this review, we present the methods to improve graphene performance by doping, enhancement of transfer methods and hybrid films of graphene with other materials. In addition, graphene as TCF for photovoltaic applications has also been described. We also include a discussion on various Figure of Merit (FOM) determinations, to evaluate the performance of graphene as transparent conducting films.