A novel approach of organic solar cells based on ZNO nanowires layer

Abstract

In our research we are looking for alternative to solar cells based on silicon. We are using zinc oxide (ZnO) which is N type semiconductor instead of silicon. To reach PN junction P type polymer is used. ZnO is in form of well aligned nanowires. Since the distance between nanowires is smaller than the mean free path of electrons almost all emitted electrons are collected. We use vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) method to create ZnO nanowires. Used substrate was sapphire, silicon and silica glass. Small solar cell was manufactured and its open circuit voltage under light was measured.