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.

Volume

4

Issue

4

fYear

2010

Firstpage

24

Lastpage

25

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;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Nanotechnology Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1932-4510

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MNANO.2010.938654

Filename

5599964