Incorporation of carbon nanotubes in photoactive layer of organic solar cells

Among Renewable energy resources, solar power generation plays an important role and is paid more attention by modern researchers. Nowadays, extensive research is being carried to increase the efficiencies and stability of thin-film solar cells. Among thin-film solar cells, organic solar cells also known as plastic solar cells are relatively cheaper. They can be made in different colors and are very light in weight. These solar cells can be included in infrastructure such as windows, walls, car windshields, etc. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have some extraordinary properties such as high conductivity, high mechanical strength, and high aspect ratio along with the best physical and chemical properties. In this research, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with different concentration (1 to 5%) have been incorporated in the active layer of organic solar cells (OSCs), and improvement in short circuit current is reported. CNTs come along with entanglement and poor solubility. Ultra-sonication technique is used for dispersion and covalent functionalization technique is applied to increase the solubility of nonotubes. (C) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/).

Automated summary

Solar power generation is important among renewable energy resources, with a focus on improving the efficiency and stability of thin-film solar cells, including organic solar cells which are cost-effective and versatile. Carbon nanotubes are being incorporated into organic solar cells to enhance performance, utilizing ultrasound dispersion and covalent functionalization for improved solubility.