Abstract
Vertically aligned periodic arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are used to create topographically enhanced light-trapping photovoltaic cells. The CNTs form the back contact of the device and serve as a scaffold to support the photoactive heterojunction. Molecular beam epitaxy is used to deposit CdTe and CdS as the p/n-type materials and ion-assisted deposition is used to deposit a conformal coating of indium-tin oxide as the transparent top contact. X-ray diffraction data shows (111) texture of the CdTe. Photocurrent produced “per cm2 of footprint” for the CNT-based device is 63 times that of a commercially available planar single crystal silicon device.
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Camacho, R.E., Morgan, A.R., Flores, M.C. et al. Carbon nanotube arrays for photovoltaic applications. JOM 59, 39–42 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0037-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0037-0