Topography of electrospun nanofibers and its influence on (POT/PS)/Si hybrid solar cell parameters

Authors: TARIQ JAFFAR ALWAN

Abstract: Alignment nanofibers of poly(o-toluidine)/polystyrene (POT/PS) were prepared by using an electrospinning method at different applied voltages (V_appl.) of 10, 15, and 20 kV. The effect of the applied voltage on the morphology and electrical properties of POT/PS nanofibers was studied. Morphology and diameters of the nanofibers were investigated via atomic force microscopy. (POT/PS)/Si hybrid solar cells were fabricated through the deposition of POT/PS nanofibers on Si wafers using the electrospinning technique. The current-voltage measurements of the device under dark conditions exhibited asymmetrical and rectifying behavior for the Al/(POT/PS)/Si/Al junction, thereby confirming the formation of diodes. Diode parameters, such as ideality factor n* and saturation current I_o, were determined from the current density-voltage curves. The photovoltaic properties of the Al/(POT/PS)/Si/Al junction were studied under illuminated condition. Results revealed short-circuit current density J_sc = 1.45 mA, open-circuit voltage V_oc = 596 mV, and solar cell efficiency = 3.04.

Keywords: Poly(O-toluidine), nanofibers, conducting polymer, electrospinning, hybrid solar cell

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