2. Comprehensive Review: Synthesis, Properties and Applications of Graphene-Based Materials

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of graphene-based materials, including graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), with a focus on their synthesis methods, chemical and optical properties, and applications, particularly in solar cell-related devices. We begin with the background of graphene in its structure and electronic properties. This chapter then delves into the synthesis of graphene oxide, detailing the various chemical and mechanical methods employed, along with characterization of graphene. The section on graphene quantum dots emphasizes their synthesis, which is pivotal due to their size-dependent properties and discusses the optical properties that make GQDs suitable for optoelectronic applications. This includes an analysis of the incorporation of graphene and its derivatives can enhance the efficiency and stability of solar cells, along with a discussion of the latest advancements and challenges in this field. The chapter aims to provide a thorough understanding of the state-of-the-art synthesis techniques, the unique properties of these materials, and their applications in solar cell technology.