Application of carbon nanotubes in hybrid and organic solar cells

Here we report fabrication of organic solar cells incorporating of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Poly (3-octylthiophene)/C₆₀ heterojunction solar cells were fabricated with and without incorporation of functionalized MWNTs. Fabricated device with incorporation of MWNTs shows enhanced device performance than that of device without MWNTs. This is due to fact that, MWNTs provide large surface area and build in potential in the polymer composite for photo exciton dissociation. Again, MWNTs provide efficient hole transportation, as MWNTs has mobility several times larger than that of polymer. Hybrid solar cells were fabricated with n-Si nanowires (NWs) array and poly (3-octylthiphene) incorporating CNTs. n-Si NWs were fabricated by electroless etching process having diameter in the range of 20-250 nm. In the fabricated device n-Si NWs array form multiple heterojunction with the infiltrated polymer composite and provide efficient electron collection and transportation, where as CNTs provide efficient hole transportation within the polymer layer.