Li Z., Xu Y., Saini V., Dervishi E., Mahmood M., Biris A.R., Biris A.S., Biris A.R., Biris A.S.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock, US
Keywords: heterojunction photovoltaic cells, n-Type Si, SWNT
The solar cells based on high-density p-n heterojunctions between single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and n-type crystalline silicon were produced with airbrushing technique. The SWNTs/n-Si heterojunction is rectifying. Under optical excitation the numerous heterojunctions formed between the semitransparent SWNTs thin coating and the n-type silicon substrate generate electron-hole pairs, which are then split and transported through SWNTs (holes) and n-Si (electrons), respectively. The nanotubes serve as both photogeneration sites and a charge carriers collecting and transport layer. It was also found that the thionyl chloride (SOCl2)-treatment of SWNT coating films can lead to a significant increase in the conversion efficiency through re-adjusting the Fermi level and increasing the carrier concentration and mobility of the nanotube network. Initial tests have shown a power conversion efficiency of above 3%, proving that SOCl2 treated-SWNTs/n-Si is a potentially suitable configuration for making solar cells.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2009: Fabrication, Particles, Characterization, MEMS, Electronics and Photonics
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 53 - 56
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Manufacturing, Nanoelectronics
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1782-7