Abstract
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.