Effect of single-wall carbon nanotubes layer on photoelectric response of Au/Si photovoltaic structures

The effect of single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanolayers deposited on Si substrate on optical, photoelectric and electric properties of Au/n-Si structures has been investigated. Highly purified SWСNTs were prepared by the arc-discharge method. Significant enhancement of the photocurrent (especially in the long-wave range) and the photoelectric conversion efficiency was found for structures with SWСNT and its mechanism was analyzed taking into account optical and electric characteristics of structures.

► Single-wall carbon nanotube increases the photocurrent in Au/n-Si barrier structures.
► Photocurrent enhancement effect is caused by increased photocarriers collection area.
► Poly(vinyl pyridine) used for nanotube immobilization increases open circuit voltage.