Exploration of photovoltage generated in reduced graphene oxide films under excitation by thermal radiation

Photovoltage generation in reduced graphene oxide (rGO) films under excitation by thermal radiation was explored experimentally. rGO films were synthesized by the Double Thermal Decomposition (DTD) method, with controlled nitrogen atmosphere and temperature of graphitization at 973 K. The oxidation was estimated at 5 % by employing XPS and EDX spectroscopies. rGO-Devices were elaborated with configurations of 2, 4, 6, 8, and parallel bars by employing pure silver electrical contacts. It was found that the best configuration exhibits the maximum of thermodynamic efficiency and voltage yield at room temperature. These results suggest a direct relationship between applied thermal radiation and the generated photovoltage, possible attribute to photovoltaic effect, and that rGO films maybe a good candidate material in potential optoelectronics devices and energy harvesting applications.