Transparent Nanotubes Improve Solar Cells
26 June 2008, 11:57
Categories: smt-energy-photovoltaic nanotubes-wires-fullerenes
Nanotechnology is paving the way toward improved solar cells, particularly third generation solar cells. New research shows that a film of carbon nanotubes may be able to replace two of the layers normally used in a solar cell, with improved performance at a lower cost. Researchers have found a surprising way to give the nanotubes the properties they need: add defects.
Currently, dye-sensitized solar cells have a transparent film made of an oxide that is applied to glass and conducts electricity. In addition, a separate film made of platinum acts as a catalyst to speed the chemical reactions involved. Both of these materials have disadvantages. The oxide films can’t easily be applied to flexible materials; they perform much better on a rigid and heat resistant substrate like glass. This increases costs and limits the kinds of products that can be made. Additionally, expensive equipment is necessary to create the platinum films for solar cells.
Jessika Trancik of the Santa Fe Institute, Scott Calabrese Barton of Michigan State University and James Hone of Columbia University decided to use carbon nanotubes to create a single layer that could perform the functions of both the oxide and platinum layers. They needed it to have three properties: transparency, conductivity, and catalytic activity.
Posted by: The Editors
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