Raspberry Solar Cells

Ben TaylorInterdisciplinary Education GroupUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

ENERGY?

ENERGY?

Electricity

ENERGY?

ElectronsElectricityElectricityElectrons

ENERGY?Electricity

CATHODE (+)

BARRIER

ANODE (-)

BARRIER

ANODE (-)

CATHODE (+)

ANODE (-)

CATHODE (+)

BARRIER

A Carbon-Based Solar Cell2D-Graphene 1D-Carbon Nanotubes

• Strongest material known– Carbon nanotubes are 300 times stronger than steel.

• Exceptional electronic properties – Grow metallic and semiconducting.– 1000 times more conductive than copper.– We can use carbon nanotubes to absorb light and

generate electricity!

How do the Layers in a Solar Cell Work?

CNTs

C60

Raspberry/TiO2 Carbon NanotubesMaterial Function

JuiceAsh

Light Absorber

Charge Extraction

Charge Extraction

Electrode

+

-

+

-

TiO2

Glass

Glass

Silicon (25%)

CNTs (1%) Arnold Group

Raspberry (0.5-1%)

Technology First Report >1% Efficiency Time

Silicon 1941 1952 11 years

Polymer 1950s 1986 ≈35 years

CNTs 2009 2013 4 years