Abstract
Global demand of energy is increasing at an alarming rate, and nanotechnology is being looked at as a potential solution to meet this challenge (Holtren, 2007). Although the efficiency of energy conversion and storage devices depends on a variety of factors, the overall performance strongly relies on the structure and properties of the component materials (Whitesides, 2007). Compared to conventional materials, silicon (Si) nanostructures and graphene nanosheets possess unique properties (i.e. morphological, electrical, optical, and mechanical) useful for enhancing the energy-conversion and storage performances. Graphene can enhance efficiency of nano-Si based solar cells and battery due to its high electronic conductivity, ultrahigh mobility, high transparency, and strong mechanical property. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of recent progress and material challenges in energy conversion (solar cells) and storage (batteries/supercapacitors) with specific focus on composites of Si nanostructures-graphene nanosheets.
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