Abstract
Metal nanoparticle (MNP) catalysts used for the synthesis of
multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) consisted of single metals
(Fe, Ni or Co) and bimetallic mixture (CoFe, NiFe or NiCo). MWCNTs
were successfully synthesised at 200 _C in 10 min using liquefied
petroleum gas as carbon source with non-equilibrium plasma
enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) method. The
nanostructures and the morphology of the MNPs and the MWCNTs
film were characterised using relevant microscopic and
spectroscopic methods. The synthesised MWCNTs were used as part
of the electrode material in organic solar cell (OSC) set-up. Poly (3,4-
ethylenedioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS) was
used as an electron transporter and poly-3-hexyl thiophene (P3HT)
as an electron donor. The performance of OSC devices was tested
using standard electrical measurements and solar simulator
operating at 100 mW/cm2. The measured power conversion
efficiencies was found to be dependent on the metal catalyst used
during synthesis. Among all the catalysts employed in this
investigation, the best device performance was found from the
synthesis of MWCNTs using Fe as a catalyst followed by Co and then
Ni, respectively.