Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Solar Cells

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted the interest of numerous researchers in materials sciences and engineering because of their superior electronic and optoelectronic properties. Extensive progress has been realized through the use of CNTs, especially single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), in optoelectronics and energy harvesting devices, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, touch panels, and transistors. Here, we review the novel applications of CNTs in solar cells. The use of CNTs as additives, light absorbers, carrier transporters, and transparent electrodes in solar cells has been reported over the past decade. CNTs are applicable to various solar cell technologies, including CNTs/Si heterojunction, organic–inorganic perovskite, dye-sensitized, and organic photovoltaic solar cells. This review surveys recent progress in the application of CNTs to photovoltaics.