Low temperature growth of graphene-based carbon electrodes for organic solar cells

Conductive transparent carbon thin film electrodes have been grown on a copper foil using poly(methyl methacrylates) as a carbon source at a temperature below 450 °C, in contrast to the preparation temperature above 800 °C in the previously reported chemical vapour deposition method. Raman and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy have been used to identify their graphene based composition. Scanning electron microscopy and Transmission electron microscopy have been used to characterize the film quality. Conductivity and transmittance of the thin films have been evaluated. Using the conductive transparent electrodes, organic solar cells have been successfully fabricated. This work paves a potential pathway for an easier and cheaper production of organic solar cells.