Synthesis of hexamethylene diisocyanate-functionalized graphene oxide for solar cell applications

¹ Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department  
² Signal Theory and Communications Department, Alcalá University, 28871, Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Graphene (G), an allotrope of carbon with exceptional optical, electronic, thermal and mechanical properties, and its oxidized form graphene oxide (GO), show huge potential for a broad range of applications. In particular, their high conductivity, transparency, flexibility, and abundance make them suitable for polymer solar cells (PSCs). However, their insolubility in common organic solvents hinders their applications. Consequently, novel functionalization approaches are pursued. The present work is devoted to the preparation of hexamethylene diisocyante-functionalized graphene oxide (HDI-GO). The synthesized nanomaterial shows a highly hydrophobic nature and can be dispersed in organic non-polar solvents, hence is a prospective candidate to be combined with conjugated polymers for solar cell applications.