Replacement of Transparent Conductive Oxides by Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes in Cu(In,Ga)Se2-Based Solar Cells
Thin films of single-wall carbon nanotubes were used as the transparent top electrical contact in Cu(In,Ga)Se{sub 2}- based solar cells. Specifically, we demonstrate that thin layers of carbon nanotubes in combination with insulating polymer layers can effectively replace the metal oxide layers typically used in polycrystalline thin-film solar cells. Replacing the standard n-type ZnO layer with a thin film of carbon nanotubes yielded energy conversion efficiencies up to 13%. The optical and electrical transport properties of the single-wall carbon nanotubes suggest that suitable applications for these materials include multiple-junction solar cells, thermophotovoltaics, and other applications benefiting from a p-type transparent conductor with high near-infrared transmission.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308
- OSTI ID:
- 981990
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Physical Chemistry Part C: Nanomaterials and Interfaces, Vol. 111, Issue 38, 2007
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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