Application of metal nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes in photovoltaics

• Published in: Applied physics letters Vol. 93; no. 3
• Main Authors: Somani, Prakash R., Somani, Savita P., Umeno, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 21-07-2008
• ISSN: 0003-6951; 1077-3118
• DOI: 10.1063/1.2963470

Carbon nanotubes decorated with metal nanoparticles are introduced to photovoltaic application. The introduction of metal nanoparticles in the organic/organic-inorganic heterojunction solar cells is expected to improve the exciton dissociation (due to strong electric field at the metal-organics interface) and hence photovoltaic action. An improved photovoltaic action is indeed observed in n-Si/poly(3-octylthiophene) heterojunction solar cells incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCN) decorated with platinum metal nanoparticles (Pt: 20wt%, 10–15nm) as compared to pristine MWCN. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles should provide an alternative strategy to improve the photovoltaic performance of organic/organic-inorganic solar cells.