Doped graphene solar cells set new efficiency record

Graphene is a promising replacement for the materials with which we currently construct electronics. Particularly in the field of solar technology, graphene is useful because of its high electron mobility, but has struggled to keep pace in terms of efficiency. In a collaborative University of Florida research project, scientists have produced a form of graphene that has a power conversion efficiency of 8.6 percent -- currently the highest reported for this material. The researchers achieved this efficiency by doping the a singly layer of graphene crystal lattice with boron atoms. Boron, having more conducting electrons available, significantly increases the charge carrier density of the material, which is what allows for increased performance.