Prolonging charge separation in P3HT-SWNT composites using highly enriched semiconducting nanotubes

Nano Lett. 2010 Nov 10;10(11):4627-33. doi: 10.1021/nl102753z.

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have potential as electron acceptors in organic photovoltaics (OPVs), but the currently low-power conversion efficiencies of devices remain largely unexplained. We demonstrate effective redispersion of isolated, highly enriched semiconducting and metallic SWNTs into poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). We use these enriched blends to provide the first experimental evidence of the negative impact of metallic nanotubes. Time-resolved microwave conductivity reveals that the long-lived carrier population can be significantly increased by incorporating highly enriched semiconducting SWNTs into semiconducting polymer composites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electric Conductivity
  • Electron Transport
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Materials Testing
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Organoselenium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Semiconductors*

Substances

  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Organoselenium Compounds
  • poly(3-hexyl)selenophene