Functional monolayers from carbon nanostructures - fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene - as novel materials for solar energy conversion

Optimization of the interface between a conductive electrode and active layers in hybrid and organic solar cells is a key element in improving overall device efficiency and operational lifetime. Carbon-based nanostructures (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene) are attractive materials for the fabrication of monolayers that provide selective charge transport properties which, in some cases, can be further functionalized to provide tailored redox gradients, or become the active constituent of transparent (semi)conducting electrodes. This review focuses on recent developments in the field, with particular attention to the use of self-assembly principles to impart functionality or to guide the formation of selected structures. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.