Functional Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Nanoengineered Networks for Organic‐ and Perovskite‐Solar‐Cell Applications. Issue 44 (16th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barbero, David R.; Stranks, Samuel D.
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 28:Issue 44(2016)
• Page Start: 9668
• Page End: 9685
• Publication Date: 2016-09-16
• Subjects: carbon nanotube networks -- charge transport -- nanoengineering -- semiconducting polymers -- organic electronic devices -- polymer wrapping -- perovskite solar cells; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201600659
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract : Carbon nanotubes have a variety of remarkable electronic and mechanical properties that, in principle, lend them to promising optoelectronic applications. However, the field has been plagued by heterogeneity in the distributions of synthesized tubes and uncontrolled bundling, both of which have prevented nanotubes from reaching their full potential. Here, a variety of recently demonstrated solution‐processing avenues is presented, which may combat these challenges through manipulation of nanoscale structures. Recent advances in polymer‐wrapping of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are shown, along with how the resulting nanostructures can selectively disperse tubes while also exploiting the favorable properties of the polymer, such as light‐harvesting ability. New methods to controllably form nanoengineered SWNT networks with controlled nanotube placement are discussed. These nanoengineered networks decrease bundling, lower the percolation threshold, and enable a strong enhancement in charge conductivity compared to random networks, making them potentially attractive for optoelectronic applications. Finally, SWNT applications, to date, in organic and perovskite photovoltaics are reviewed, and insights as to how the aforementioned recent advancements can lead to improved device performance provided. Abstract : The state of the art in functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and conductive networks for opto‐electronic applications is reviewed. An outlook on new strategies for enhancing charge extraction and transport in photovoltaic systems incorporating SWNTs is discussed, including organic photovoltaics and the new field of perovskite‐based photovoltaics.