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Scope of surface-modified molecular and nanomaterials in gel/liquid forms for developing mechanically flexible DSSCs/QDSSCs

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Abstract

The advanced lifestyle of the human race involves heavy usage of various gadgets which require copious supplies of energy for uninterrupted functioning. Due to the ongoing depletion of fossil fuels and the accelerating demand for other energy resources, renewable energy sources, especially solar cells, are being extensively explored as viable alternatives. Flexible solar cells have recently emerged as an advanced member of the photovoltaic family; the flexibility and pliability of these photovoltaic materials are advantageous from a practical point of view. Conventional flexible solar cell materials, when dispersed in solvents, are usually volatile and create severe stability issues when incorporated in devices. Recently, non-volatile, less viscous functional molecular liquids/gels have been proposed as potential materials for use in foldable device applications. This perspective article discusses the scope of surface-modified non-volatile molecular and nanomaterials in liquid/gel forms in the manufacturing and deployment of flexible photovoltaics.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Dr S. Anas, Hon. Director, AMMRC, for the encouragement and Mahatma Gandhi University for the generous support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Molecular Materials Research Centre, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Soorya Sasi, Sunish K. Sugunan, P. Radhakrishnan Nair & Suresh Mathew

  2. Department of Chemistry, CMS College (Autonomous) - affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Sunish K. Sugunan

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, GITAM University, Nagadenahalli, Dodballapur Taluk, Bengaluru, 562103, India

    K. R. V. Subramanian

  4. School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills, Kottayam, Kerala, India

    Suresh Mathew

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  1. Soorya Sasi
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Sasi, S., Sugunan, S.K., Nair, P.R. et al. Scope of surface-modified molecular and nanomaterials in gel/liquid forms for developing mechanically flexible DSSCs/QDSSCs. Photochem Photobiol Sci 18, 15–29 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1039/c8pp00293b

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