Proceedings of International Conference Asia-Pacific Hybrid and Organic Photovoltaics 2018 (AP-HOPV18)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.ap-hopv.2018.036
Publication date: 27th October 2017
We demonstrate that single crystals of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) could be grown directly on vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forests. The fast-growing MAPbBr3 single crystals engulfed the protogenetic inclusions in the form of individual CNTs, thus resulting in a three-dimensionally enlarged photosensitive interface. Photodetector devices were obtained, detecting low light intensities (~20 nW) from UV range to 550 nm. Moreover, a photocurrent was recorded at zero external bias voltage which points to the plausible formation of a p-n junction resulting from interpenetration of MAPbBr3 single crystals into the VACNT forest.[1]
Moreover, bright green electroluminescence of the MAPbBr3 single crystals, using symmetrical VACNT electrodes, was observed at room temperature for both polarities. The electroluminescence spectra and light intensity was recorded from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures (20 K). The underlying mechanism behind the light emission is the well documented ion migration. In fact charged ions or vacancies inside the perovskite, drift under an external electric field accumulating at the cathode and anode, forming a p-i-n heterojunction structure. These characteristics have a strong similarity with the operational mechanism of polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), especially the device structure and the involvement of mobile ions for efficient electroluminescence.[2]
This reveals that vertically aligned CNTs can be used as electrodes in operationally stable perovskite-based optoelectronic devices and can serve as a versatile platform for future selective electrode development.
[1] Andričević, Pavao, et al. "3-Dimensionally Enlarged Photoelectrodes by a Protogenetic Inclusion of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes into CH3NH3PbBr3 Single Crystals." The Journal of Physical Chemistry C (2017).
[2] Bade, Sri Ganesh R., et al. "Fully printed halide perovskite light-emitting diodes with silver nanowire electrodes." ACS nano 10.2 (2015): 1795-1801.