We study the incorporation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) into next generation solar cells as near infrared absorbers to efficiently harness energy in the 1000nm to 1400nm range. We are interested in both fundamental materials questions to obtain the maximum possible efficiency, as well as device design considerations. For the first time in Jul 2012, we developed a polymer-free carbon based photovoltaic which relies on exciton dissociation at a SWNT/C60 interface, demonstrating the ability to harness near-infrared energy from a pure pure SWNT phase.
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