Nanomaterials applications in solar energy: Exploring future prospects and challenges

Abstract

Most recently, nanofluids have gained interest for industrial use, especially in renewable energy. Since carbon-intensive fuels are depleting and environmental concerns are growing, experts are researching solar energy. This comprehensive review article focuses on ability of nanomaterials for improving the operational efficiency, lowering costs, and overcoming technological gaps in solar energy systems. Nanofluids' benefits and limitations are examined in this current review paper. The results suggest that the enhancement of device functionality is substantially achieved through the incorporation of nanomaterials into solar systems. Nanomaterials like graphene may be more efficient than ordinary solar cells. Nanomaterials help create thinner, more flexible, and more efficient solar panels, according to the review. Nanoparticles have been used to create solar cells with 25% efficiency, a significant improvement. The paper concludes with the discussion of the future research scope, emphasising the need for sustainable nanomaterial production, ecological and health concerns, and economic implications of nanomaterial-based solar energy technologies. The viability of nanomaterials with another renewable energy technologies for creating hybrid systems for improvement in the energy storage and generation needs further study.