Comparison of ZnO:Al, ITO and carbon nanotube transparent conductive layers in flexible solar cells applications

In the paper the mechanical, optical and electrical parameters of transparent conductive layers (TCLs) made of carbon nanotubes and metal conductive oxides are explored and compared. All investigated materials are deposited on transparent, flexible polymer foils used for solar cell applications. Obtained results are compared with available parameters of rigid transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) as well as literature reports about Indium-Tin Oxide (ITO) on flexible substrates. Presented paper is a report from the preliminary stage of a new flexible solar cell construction. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.