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Nanotube/Quantum Dot-Polymer Solar CellsSingle wall carbon nanotubes used or this study were synthesized using the pulse laser vaporization technique. The as-produced SWNTs were collected from the condensed region on the quartz tube outside the furnace and purified by modification of the previously reported procedure. Preparation of the SWNT-P3OT composite solutions was performed using a series of mixing and sonication steps as previously demonstrated for other SWNT-polymer systems. Device fabrication involved the use of commercially-obtained, high quality (i.e., less than 10 W/sq.) ITO-coated polyethylene terapthalate (PET) substrates. Initially, an intrinsic layer of pristine P3OT is spray deposited (approx. 1-2 mL of the 15 mg/mL solution) onto the masked, 1 sq in. active area of the substrate. This is followed with spray deposition of the SWNT-P3OT composite solutions at similar volumes. As seen completion of the solar cell occurs when aluminum contacts (typical thicknesses of l000A) are applied to the IT0 and SWNT-P3OT composite film layers. The homogeneous distribution of SWNTs in a polymer matrix is dependent upon the ability of the polymer chain to associate with the SWNT superstructure. Stable composite dispersions of 0.1 % and 1.0% w/w SWNTs in P3OT were produced and analyzed in this study. Optical spectroscopy was conducted to observe the SWNT doping level effects on the absorption properties and infer potential electronic interactions between dopant and polymer. Shown is an overlay of these spectra where the pristine P3OT shows strong optical absorption at energies less than 2 eV. As expected, variation in absorption properties for the SWNT-P3OT composites is observed as the doping level increases. Through modification of the SWNT doping level in the polymer, it is possible to alter the absorption pattern of these composite materials. In fact, at these relatively low doping levels, the P3OT shows a significant enhancement in absorption through the near-IR and visible regions. The gray curve for purified SWNTs is offset from the other three for clarity, but indicates the typical complex pattern observed for this spectral range.
Document ID
20050052018
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Bailey, Sheila G. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Raffaelle, Ryne P.
Landi, Brian J.
Castro, Stephanie L. (Ohio Aerospace Inst. Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
September 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: 19th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference
Location: Paris
Country: France
Start Date: June 7, 2004
End Date: June 11, 2004
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 22-319-20-C1
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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