Functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes incorporated polymer/fullerene hybrid photovoltaics

Multiwall carbon nanotubes are introduced into poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6] phenyl C(61) butyric acid methyl fullerene, bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices. Utilization of nanotubes requires chemical modifications for compatibility with solution processable photovoltaics. Better dispersions of carbon nanotubes in organic solvents are achieved by acid functionalization of tubes. Pristine and acid treated multiwall carbon nanotubes have been incorporated into the photoactive layer and better results in fill factors of 62% and efficiency of 2.3% are achieved under Air Mass 1.5 Global illumination through the use of acid treated nanotubes. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3464970]