NU 2011-126

Inventors

• Jiaxing Huang*
• Jaemyng Kim
• Vincent C. Tung 

Short Description

Single walled carbon nanotube composite as anode modifier for polymer solar cells.

Abstract

Northwestern University researchers have developed a novel composite material that will improve production of solar cells. Much like a regular battery, solar cells contain an anode and a cathode. However, in solar cells the anode is coated with a layer of material that blocks electrons. Currently, the preferred coating is a material called PEDOT: PSS. However, this coating material is deposited from strongly acidic solutions. Led by Professor Huang, Northwestern scientists have adapted graphene oxide (GO) for this same function by addition of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). GO: SWCNT films can effectively block electrons and can be deposited onto the anode from neutral pH solutions. In terms of overall performance, GO: SWCNT is comparable to PEDOT: PSS, but ease of use will make it the preferred choice for coating solar cell anodes in the future. 

Applications

• Solar cells

Advantages

• Reduces use of acidic solutions during solar cell production
• Minimizes introduction of water into the device during production
• Diminishes carrier recombination

Publications

Kim J, Tung VC, Huang J. Water Processable Graphene Oxide: Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Composite as Anode Modifier for Polymer Solar Cells. (2011) Advanced Energy Materials. 1: 1052-1057. 

IP Status

Issued US Patent No. 9,917,255.