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 ( V oc ) , short circuit current density ( J sc ) , fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency ( η ) were 0.44 V, 6.16 mA / cm 2 , 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.