17 - Biopolymer Composites in Photovoltaics and Photodetectors

Abstract

Biopolymers, polymeric substances produced by living organisms have received recent attention in research because of their unique characteristics. Biopolymers are chain-like molecules made up of repeating chemical blocks produced from renewable resources which could be degraded in the environment. Unique nontoxicity, biodegradability properties of biopolymers boosting their applications in electronics, medical devices, energy, food packaging, etc. Incorporation of nanosized reinforcement in the biopolymers or making the composite of biopolymers, can improve the properties of biopolymers, therefore, enhance practical applications. Considering the suitability, compatibility, and sustainability of the interaction of new materials in biopolymers, new materials with superior electrical, mechanical, thermal, and optical can be obtained. Solar energy offers great potential as a renewable source of electrical power; however, current technologies are still too expensive to replace nonrenewable energy sources. Biopolymer composite for renewable energy technologies is getting considerable interest due to the combination of advantages of polymers with complex bio/nanomaterials. On the other hand, light weight, flexible, inexpensive, and near-room-temperature photodetectors based on biopolymer composite also became popular in recent years. This review focuses on photovoltaics as well as ultraviolet (UV) photo detection application of biopolymer composite/nanocomposite. The fabrication process, characteristics, and the influence of the biocomposite on power conversion efficiency are explained briefly.