Review—Emerging Applications of g-C3N4 Films in Perovskite-Based Solar Cells

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride, (g-CN/g-C3N4), an oldest material, was extensively used as photocatalyst due to high charge separation and transportation property, tunable band gap, and non-toxicity. Recently, g-CN has been utilized as an electron transport layer, interfacial buffer layer, and for passivation of perovskite layers in solar cell devices. Power conversion efficiency of g-CN-based solar cells has gone beyond 22.13% with device stability of more than 1500 h in dark. Additionally, the enhanced environmental stability of solar cell devices is due to the unique packed two-dimensional (2D) structure of g-CN, which provides protection to the devices against environmental degradation. However, availability of the limited synthesis methods and g-CN thin film formation with varying properties and high surface area, are two major concerns which needs to be further improved. This review covers the different methods of g-CN nanostructure synthesis, thin film formation, and their application in photovoltaic (PV) devices. The potential challenges and perspective of g-CN nanomaterials for solar cells are also included in this review.