Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

Fabrication And Characterization Of Carbon Nanotube Metal Matrix Composites For Use In Photovoltaic Gridline Applications, Cayla M. Nelson

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Performance reliability is crucial for photovoltaic (PV) cells in both terrestrial and space-based applications. Electrical efficiency losses over time are heavily impacted by electrical losses due to microcracks within the cell structure and metallization failure. Mechanical stresses and thermal cycling of the device can lead to fracture of the current-carrying metal (Ag) lines on the surface of the device, significantly reducing output power. Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into PV metal lines as a reinforcement, forming a CNT/Ag metal matrix composite (MMC), enhances the electrical and mechanical performance of the device. In this work the influence of CNT/Ag MMCs were explored …