Nitrogen-Containing Carbon Nanotubes for Solar Cells - Dissertation Example

Carbon Nanotubes were found to be excellent in terms of mechanical properties. Its strength is up to 100 gigapascals. In a study conducted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) were made to work with n-type Si in a solar cell. It was discovered that PCE depended on the SWNT network thickness.  Most of the PV processes were found to be generated within the layer of n-Si. To improve on the conversion efficiency of the solar cells sprayed with SWNTs dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) with a strength of 0.

5 mg/mL and treated further with bath sonicator for about 60 minutes, high density of SWNT was needed at the interface with Si. Although relatively stronger than other sub-conductors, CNT can be permanently deformed when compressed or bent. This is because of its hollow structure as can be seen in the image of its structure. In another study of the PV properties of SWNT fiber / Si heterojunctions, by Jia, Yi et. al.17, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that when single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) fibers were twisted, these CNT became stronger.

Contact and load transfer improved. Twisting of fiber made the SWNT denser. Thus the electrical property of CNT improved with greater density as a result of twisting the SWNT fibers. Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) were fabricated from Methane by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using loose powder form catalysts such as iron oxide, molybdenum, and alumina. In a tube furnace with catalyst particles, Methane was made to flow at the rate of 5000 bar cm3 / min for 10 minutes while the furnace was heated and maintained at 900o C.

After  the process, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were utilized to study the powder, only SWCNT could be seen.  However, CNTs can be formed using other metallic raw materials oftentimes with the help of catalysts and heat. CNTs are highly inert. This means the structures will not easily react or be distorted by mild chemical doping. To alter their molecular structure, highly reactive chemicals are needed. Sulfuric acid is one good example of that strong chemical.