Novel Structures for PV Solar Cells: Fabrication of Cu/Cu₂S-MWCNTs 1D-Hybrid Nanocomposite

Abstract

The production of cost-effective novel materials for PV solar cells with long-term stability, high energy conversion efficiency, enhanced photon absorption, and easy electron transport has stimulated great interest in the research community over the last decades. In the presented work, Cu/Cu2S-MWCNTs nanocomposites were produced and analyzed in the framework of potential applications for PV solar cells. Firstly, the surface of the produced one-dimensional Cu was covered by Cu2S nanoflake. XRD data prove the formation of both Cu and Cu2S structures. The length and diameter of the one-dimensional Cu wire were 5–15 µm and 80–200 nm, respectively. The thickness of the Cu2S nanoflake layer on the surface of the Cu was up to 100 nm. In addition, the Cu/Cu2S system was enriched with MWCNTs. MWCNs with a diameter of 50 nm interact by forming a conductive network around the Cu/Cu2S system and facilitate quick electron transport. Raman spectra also prove good interfacial coupling between the Cu/Cu2S system and MWCNTs, which is crucial for charge separation and electron transfer in PV solar cells. Furthermore, UV studies show that Cu/Cu2S-MWCNTs nanocomposites have a wide absorption band. Thus, MWCNTs, Cu, and Cu2S exhibit an intense absorption spectrum at 260 nm, 590 nm, and 972 nm, respectively. With a broad absorption band spanning the visible–infrared spectrum, the Cu/Cu2S-MWCNTs combination can significantly boost PV solar cells’ power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, UV research demonstrates that the plasmonic character of the material is altered fundamentally when CuS covers the Cu surface. Additionally, MWCN-Cu/Cu2S nanocomposite exhibits hybrid plasmonic phenomena. The bandgap of Cu/Cu2S NWs was found to be approximately 1.3 eV. Regarding electron transfer and electromagnetic radiation absorption, the collective oscillations in plasmonic metal-p-type semiconductor–conductor MWCNT contacts can thus greatly increase energy conversion efficiency. The Cu/Cu2S-MWCNTs nanocomposite is therefore a promising new material for PV solar cell application.

Keywords

• copper
• copper (I) sulfide
• MWCNTs
• sulfidation
• nanowire
• hybrid nanomaterial