Title :
Hybrid Solar Cells Based On Carbon Nanotubes and Nanoporous Silicon [Nanoproducts]
Author :
Levitsky, Igor A.
Author_Institution :
He has been the principal scientist at Emitech, Inc., in Fall River, Massachusetts, since 2002 and is adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, the University of Rhode Island.
Abstract :
Despite intensive research and substantial investments over the past decade, existing organic/hybrid photo voltaics (PVs) are still unable to overcome the 7% conversion efficiency barrier. Our innovative solar cells of third generation are based on photonic band gap structures using the exceptional optical properties of nanoporous silicon (Si) infiltrated with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The novel nanocomposite concept should provide the highest light entrapping, charge separation, and high charge mobility, which could demonstrate superior PV properties exceeding 10% conversion efficiency with respect to other organic/hybrid PV materials. It is established that 10% conversion is critical for commercialization of organic/hybrid solar cells.
Keywords :
carbon nanotubes; nanoporous materials; photovoltaic cells; solar cells; charge mobility; conversion efficiency barrier; hybrid photovoltaic; hybrid solar cell; innovative solar cell; intensive research; nanoporous silicon; organic photovoltaic; photonic band gap structure; single-walled carbon nanotubes; substantial investment; Carbon nanotubes; Photovoltaic systems; Solar energy;
Journal_Title :
Nanotechnology Magazine, IEEE
DOI :
10.1109/MNANO.2010.938654
