Improving photovoltaic properties by incorporating both single walled carbon nanotubes and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are introduced together for photovoltaic application in a poly(3-octylthiophene)/n-Si heterojunction solar cell. The performance of the device was improved by manyfold by the incorporation of both SWCNTs and f-MWCNTs. The open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (η) were 0.44 V, 6.16 mA/cm2, 36%, and 0.98%, respectively. Here, we expect that SWCNTs help in exciton dissociation and provide percolation paths for electron transfer, whereas f-MWCNTs provide efficient hole transportation. CNT incorporation yields better carrier mobility, easy exciton splitting, and suppression of charge recombination, thereby improving photovoltaic action.