3. Synthesis of Graphene Oxide for Solar Cell Applications

Chapter 3 provides a comprehensive exploration of the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO), a critical precursor for graphene-based materials in solar cell applications. The chapter presents synthesis methods of GO, especially Hummer’s method, analyzing its efficiency and adaptability for producing high-quality GO. The introduction of oxygen groups, lattice defects, and surface functional groups disrupts the conjugated structure of graphene, effectively insulating GO. The modified electronic structure of GO provides strong scattering centers that reduce carrier transport. The produced GO with high quality is prepared to synthesize RGO, described in the next chapter. The chapter summarizes the critical importance of GO synthesis in advancing the performance and development of next-generation solar cell technologies.