Research: Next-Generation Photovoltaic Technologies

“Homegrown” hybrid solar cell aims for low-cost power

In situ polymerization within a semiconductor nanotube array improves device performance.

Argonne scientists have refined a technique to manufacture solar cells by creating nanotubes of semiconducting material and then “growing” polymers directly inside them. The method has the potential to be far cheaper than the process used in today’s commercial solar cells.

Filling nanotubes with polymer leads to bending and twisting, which leads to inefficiencies both because it traps pockets of air as it migrates down the tubes and because twisted polymers don’t conduct charges as well. Trying to sidestep this problem, the team hit on the idea of growing the polymer directly inside the tubes.  They filled the tubes with a polymer precursor, turned on ultraviolet light, and let the polymers grow within the tubes. These devices outperform those fabricated by filling the nanotubes with pre-grown polymer.

Reference

• Small 5 (2009) 1776

More

• Argonne Media Center: Argonne "homegrown" hybrid solar cell aims for low-cost power
• Recharge News: Nanotubular belles
• PV Times: Argonne touts hybrid PV cell with "homegrown" polymer
• PhysOrg.com: Argonne 'homegrown' hybrid solar cell aims for low-cost power
• Renewable Energy World: Argonne Touts Hybrid PV Cell with "Homegrown" Polymer

March 2010