Nanomaterials in energy related applications: Improving the efficiency of OPV and OLED with carbon nanotubes

Silicon photovoltaics (PVs) allows converting solar energy directly into electricity. Less expensive organic PV (OPV) are believed to be better suited for low power applications, although presently the efficiency of OPV is inadequate for their large scale production. In this study Throughout last few years we have been exploring opto-electronic functionality of carbon nanotubes in the structures of organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and organic photovoltaic cells (OPV). High sensitivity of opto-electronic functionality to the level of impurities puts a strict requirement of the highest purity to nanotubes. Even at small concentrations the impurities may activate undesirable relaxation routes including, but not limited to the charge/exciton trapping. carbon nanotubes were incorporated into charge transport and light absorbing layers to improve the efficiency of OPV. We found that low concentrations of nanotubes in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) active layers balance charge injection, and enhance the efficiency of electroluminescence. Study of the mechanism of We will also demonstrate an improvement in OPV performance with SWNTs. SWNT enhancements of OPV and OLEDs performance is part of the research and development efforts at the Center for Nanophase Material Sciences (CNMS)1.