Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Dr. Ahmed Touhami

Second Advisor

Dr. Mohammed J. Uddin

Third Advisor

Dr. Phillip Dukes

Abstract

Carbon nanotube yarn based solar cells (CNTYSCs) show promise in a variety of applications such as military and smart fabrics. We use a highly aligned and interwoven Carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) for the working electrode (WE) and counter electrode (CE), to create a flexible super strong, conductive, and photo active surface for the support of a calcined TiO2 nano-solution and macro-solution deposition as a base for added functionalizations of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) that is able to maintain its flexibility and integrity. The CNT fiber based solar cells have power conversion ability that is independent of the direction of the light source. The 360º surface photon absorption availability means the incident photon no longer needs to be nearly perpendicular to the cell but can be captured efficiently from any angle. We also introduce the use of poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and [6.6] Diphenyl C62 bis(butyric acid methyl ester) as a photo sensitizer in conjunction with the dye N719 to increase electron generation, decrease electron-hole pair recombination, and enhance barrier characteristics. Our prototype 3-dimensional photovoltaic cells show an increase in photon to energy conversion efficiency of nearly 8.1% along with prolonged environmental sustainability.

Comments

Copyright 2018 Glenn E. Grissom. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/carbon-nanotube-yarn-based-dye-sensitized-solar/docview/2100697453/se-2?accountid=7119

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