3D graphene: synthesis, properties, and solar cell applications

Three-dimensional (3D) graphene is one of the most important nanomaterials. This feature article highlights the advancements, with an emphasis on contributions from our group, in the synthesis of 3D graphene-based materials and their utilization in solar cells. Chemistries of graphene oxides, hydrocarbons, and alkali metals are discussed for the synthesis of 3D graphene materials. Their performances in dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells (as counter electrodes, photoelectrodes, and electron extracting layers) were correlatively analyzed with their properties/structures (accessible surface area, electrical conductivity, defects, and functional groups). The challenges and prospects for their applications in photovoltaic solar cells are outlined.