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As we all know, photovoltaic energy plays a role in solar panel technology by generating electricity. Using devices such as social cells, they absorb energy from the sun and then use semiconductor materials to convert it into electrical energy. The use of photovoltaic technology provides sustainable solutions for more renewable energy sources. However, the introduction of carbon nanotubes into this field may be revolutionary.
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This article outlines research on the use of carbon nanotubes in photovoltaic power generation and how this may affect the future direction of the industry in the sustainable energy sector.
Carbon nanotubes (CNT) refer to cylindrical molecules made up of sheets rolled up from a single layer of graphene carbon atoms. These molecules can be single-walled (SWCNT) or multi-walled (MWCNT) with a diameter of less than 1 nm, with multiple interconnected nanotubes, with a diameter of more than 100 nm. The chemical bonds between carbon nanotubes are very strong, making them an important competitor for new materials.
With promising properties such as high strength and low weight, as well as high electrical conductivity and thermal performance, this nanotechnology has been widely used in structural reinforcement. Their use extends to polymers, to enhance conductivity or as a method of controlling it, for example in anti-static packaging. Carbon nanotubes are also used in bulk composite materials and films.
Due to advantages such as flexibility and the potential to be made entirely of carbon, single-walled carbon nanotubes have shown great potential for use in next-generation technologies. Therefore, sustainable disposal at the end of the product life cycle will become possible, thereby promoting green initiatives within the company.
Although the applications of single-walled carbon nanotubes are diverse, covering photonics, telecommunications, batteries, storage devices, and cancer research, further research has been conducted on their applications in photovoltaic technology.
Carbon nanotubes can be used as general materials in photovoltaic technology, especially in different components of solar cells, such as photosensitive components and carrier-sensitive contacts. The application also extends to replacing the layer used for passivation, which makes the metal inert through a thin coating on the surface.
Transparent conductive films can also be replaced with CNTs, as they usually require materials that can conduct electricity. In addition, the optical transparency and versatility of carbon nanotubes prove their applicability as effective substitutes.
The chemical stability and conductivity of carbon nanotubes (especially single-walled carbon nanotubes) increase their applicability for the production of new types of solar cells and photosensitive components. However, its use in the commercial solar market is complex and requires further research to become a viable option.
Research in the fields of separation, purification and enrichment of carbon nanotubes, as well as their integration into photosensitive elements as organic solar cells or silicon solar cells as hole-sensitive contacts, will facilitate their introduction into the commercial industry. For this reason, industrial discussions around cost must be influenced, which will lead to major changes in the production line.
It is still impossible for researchers to selectively create SWCNTs with arbitrary levels of chirality that depend on asymmetry. After all, their atomic structure is determined by their chirality and ability to "roll up" the graphene lattice structure.
Research on achieving chiral specific growth is still in progress, including methods such as the cloning of monochiral seeds from metal-free catalyst nanotubes and the use of bimetallic solid alloy catalysts.
The separation, purification and enrichment of carbon nanotubes are necessary for photovoltaic applications. They are advanced processing procedures to ensure that the yield and chirality of pure carbon nanotubes are at a better level. However, regardless of the separation method used, the high cost of these pure CNTs is still detrimental to companies that may have benefited from current low-cost alternatives.
The introduction of CNT photovoltaics into the industry requires further efforts to improve its purification level.
The post-synthesis purification technology may have been developed to be able to classify 2:1 CNT soot mixtures based on diameter, length, and other variables, but the process is still subject to limitations such as low yield and high cost. Although large-scale production may offset the high cost, it may not be as economical as traditional organic photovoltaic materials such as polythiophene.
Although these research areas have developed in the past 20 years, high-performance silicon-based batteries are almost comparable to industrial production lines, but there are some important steps that need to be taken before the commercial application of carbon nanotubes in the solar market.
Challenges, including the limited field of technical devices derived from SWCNT, price and production volume, indicate the need for further research in this field. If so, carbon nanotubes may be an effective alternative to sustainable energy, reducing global pollution and the demand for non-renewable energy.
Overcoming the current barriers to CNTs in photovoltaics, improving light absorption and new material combinations, and other areas, may affect industrial practices in many sectors and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Eatemadi, A., etc. (2014) Carbon nanotubes: characterization, synthesis, purification and medical applications. Nano Research Letters, 9(1), p. 393. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/1556-276X-9-393 [accessed in August 2021].
Shakouri, M., Ebadi, H. and Gorjian, S., (2020) Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) module technology. Photovoltaic solar conversion, pages 79-116. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-819610-6.00004-1 [accessed in August 2021].
Wieland, L., Li, H., Rust, C., Chen, J. and Flavel, B., 2020. Carbon nanotubes for photovoltaics: from laboratory to industry. Advanced Energy Materials, 11(3), p. 2002880. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202002880 [accessed in August 2021].
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those expressed by the author in a personal capacity, and do not necessarily represent the views of the owner and operator of this website, AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork. This disclaimer forms part of the terms and conditions of use of this website.
Marzia Khan is a lover of scientific research and innovation. She immersed herself in literature and novel therapies through her position on the Royal Free Ethics Review Board. Marzia holds a master's degree in nanotechnology and regenerative medicine and a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences. She currently works in the NHS and participates in a scientific innovation program.
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