Advances in Nitrogen-Functionalized Graphene for Enhanced Photovoltaic Applications

Nitrogen-functionalized graphene (N-FG) derivatives are versatile materials with broad chemical applicability and straightforward preparation methods. N-FG involves grafting nitrogen compounds onto graphene, categorized as ammonium hydroxide, amines, and quaternary ammonium salts. This review highlights N-FG synthesis via chemical, thermochemical, electrochemical, and electromagnetic methods. It emphasizes N-FG's role in photovoltaic (PV) technologies, particularly perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In PSCs, N-FG excels as an interfacial layer, enhancing performance when in direct contact with perovskite films. In DSSCs, its applications include Pt-free cathodes, photoanodes, and electrolyte additives, achieving power conversion efficiencies of 8-8.5%. The review also explores N-FG's potential in other PV technologies, such as thin-film and silicon solar cells, while addressing challenges and opportunities for advancing its role in sustainable energy solutions.