Singh, Rajiv K. and Kumar, Jitendra and Kumar, Amit and Kumar, Vikram and Kant, Rama and Singh, Ramadhar (2010) Poly(3-hexylthiophene): Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes: (6,6)-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester composites for photovoltaic cell at ambient condition. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells , 94 (12). pp. 2386-2394. ISSN 0927-0248

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1248Kb) | Request a copy

Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of nonhygroscopic composites of poly(3-hexylthiophene):functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes:(6,6)-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:FSWCNT:PCBM) for photovoltaic applications. The composite films have been characterized for their structural, electronic, photo-physical and photovoltaic properties. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) investigation suggests that the nanotubes can induce structural changes in P3HT matrix. The homogeneous dispersion of nanotubes in P3HT and its self-arranged matrix in P3HT:PCBM are evident from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectrum indicates the betterment of P3HT chain stacking by addition of nanotubes, which is further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to determine the bulk microstructure of the polymer composite. The photovoltaic cells have been fabricated using the aforementioned photoactive composite and tested at ambient conditions. The comparison of the current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics of photovoltaic cells in light and dark conditions, with and without modified nanotubes, shows that the latter gives better photovoltaic properties. A photovoltaic cell using modified nanotubes exhibit a photo-conversion efficiency of ∼1.8%. The addition of FSWCNT in P3HT:PCBM composite enhances the conjugation length of P3HT:FSWCNT:PCBM composite, which in turn enhances its absorption capacity of solar energy radiation

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Copyright for this article belongs to M/s Elsevier B.V.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Poly(3-hexylthiophene); Functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes; P3HT:FSWCNT:PCBM composite; Organic photovoltaic device
Subjects:	Energy Fuels Materials Science
Divisions:	UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Ms Neetu Chandra
Date Deposited:	18 Jun 2012 10:42
Last Modified:	18 Jun 2012 10:42
URI:	http://npl.csircentral.net/id/eprint/277

Actions (login required)

View Item