This carbon nanotube-semiconductor junction allows for performance control via electronic gating, enhancing the efficiency of Schottky diode solar cells. Solar power is a rapidly growing industry with a promising future for continued growth. More than 20,000 megawatts of cumulative solar electric capacity is operating in the United States, enough to power more than 4 million American homes. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a Schottky diode solar cell that integrates carbon nanotube-semiconductor junctions and electronic gating for substantial enhancement in the power conversion efficiency. The solution processing for this Schottky diode solar cell is less expensive to manufacture than available solar cells, allowing for a more cost-effective commercial solar cell.
Efficient, high performance Schottky junction solar cells
These solar cells use a carbon nanotube-semiconductor junction and electronic gate-induced modulation of the contact barriers between the carbon nanotubes and the organic semiconductor layer to maximize the power conversion efficiency of the cell. The electronic gating modifies the interface dipole at the junction between the nanotube and semiconductor to reduce barriers to electronic transfer across the junction. The electronic gating also contributes to the electrical field across the depletion layer, which enhances the efficiency and boosts the power generation capabilities of the solar cells. Efficiencies of 15 percent in non-optimized cells have been demonstrated, comparable to commercially available crystalline silicone powered cells. The solution processing involved in producing the solar cells is less expensive to manufacture than currently available solar cells, providing a more cost-effective alternative to commercial solar cells.