Final Report Summary - LBL OF CNTS FOR SCS (Preparation of ITO free transparent conductive electrode via layer-by-layer deposition of carbon nanotubes and its application for solar cells)
The main objective of this proposal is to fabricate transparent conductive electrode on glass and PET substrate via LBL deposition of multi-walled CNTs without using any surfactant or polymer and to utilize the mentioned electrode in OPV devices. In order to achieve the goal, we had proposed seven tasks;
WP1: Experiment design and purchasing
WP2: Surface modification of CNTs
WP3: Surface functionalization of glass and PET substrate
WP4: Conventional LBL assembly of CNTs and characterization
WP5: Spin-assisted LBL deposition of CNTs and characterization
WP6: Spray-assisted LBL deposition of CNTs and characterization
WP7: Fabrication of OPV device
Work packages proposed for 3 years have been successfully achieved since the beginning of the project. All of the work mentioned above has been completed. Surface modification of CNTs, which is mandatory for LBL deposition, has been successfully achieved. Next, transparent conducting electrodes have been fabricated by 3 different LBL deposition techniques for comparison. The electrodes were characterized in terms of sheet resistance, optical transmission and morphology. Best results were obtained with conventional LBL assembly both with glass and PET substrate. In addition, treatment of the CNT multilayer films with various acids and heat were carried out in order to increase the electrical conductivity. Finally, P3HT:PCBM based organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) were fabricated and tested. Comparable device efficiencies (2-3%) were obtained with CNT multilayer electrodes both on glass and PET substrate. It was evaluated that it is feasible to use the CNT multilayer electrodes in OPV devices. As continuation of this work, writing new research and small business proposals has been initiated.
There is a high possibility to use final results for development specific optoelectronic devices with the links and resources of TUBITAK Marmara Research Center and Dr. Basarir’s knowledge and experience. The final results are expected to have an impact on the development of nanostructured transparent conducting electrodes for flexible optoelectronic applications in near future. This project plays the key role for writing new project proposals.