Can 2D Carbon Allotropes\nBe Used as Photovoltaic Absorbers\nin Solar Harvesting Devices?

Sustainable energy solutions have led to extensive research\ninto\nmaterials for the conversion of solar energy. Two-dimensional carbon\nallotropes have garnered significant attention due to their unique\nstructural and electronic properties, which can enhance the efficiency\nand sustainability of solar panels. This study used several computational\nmethods, including density functional theory, density functional tight\nbinding, and molecular dynamics simulations, to explore the solar\nenergy conversion capabilities of 30 different 2D carbon-based allotropes.\nAfter a thorough analysis, we found that these materials exhibited\na wide range of power conversion efficiency values, from 7% to 30%,\nassuming complete absorption of incident light. Our research provides\nvaluable insights into the structural and electronic properties that\nimpact the performance of these materials in solar cell applications.