(753c) Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Based Multifunctional Optoelectronic Rods for Efficient Energy Generation and Transport

The morphology of carbon nanotube yarns at the molecular level show electrocatalytic characteristics with efficient charge conversion efficiency. Functionalizing carbon nanotube yarns (CNY) with nano-structured photoactive phases significantly increases energy conversion. When coating a CNY with TiO₂, a thin, well-oriented anatase TiOâ?? layer (approximately 100 nm) forms at the interfaces of the CNY and TiOâ?? film when the sample is functionalized and annealed at ~350ºC. SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images show increased integrity and homogeneity of the TiOâ?? surface, which indicate greater durability of the CNY and their potential for use in flexible materials. TiOâ?? filming on self-aligned carbon nanotube yarns supplies several advantages due to its high chemical stability, excellent functionality, nontoxicity and relatively low cost. The maximum photon to current conversion efficiency (ηAM1.5) of the all solid-state optoelectronic rod was ~6.0%, which may portend their use in three dimensional solar power systems with multifunctional applications.