Spray-Coated Carbon-Nanotubes for Crack-Tolerant Metal Matrix Composites as Photovoltaic Gridlines

摘要

In this work, we present the use of a simple, costeffective, and manufacturable method of depositing carbon nanotubes onto metal films to create metal matrix composite gridlines for photovoltaic cells. Carbon nanotubes are deposited using a spray coating method to create layer-by-layer microstructure composites. Initial strain failure tests show the ability of composite lines to remain electrically connected with fractures up to 35-μm-wide, where carbon-nanotubes electrically bridge the gap. The metal-carbon-nanotube composites are electrically characterized though I-V sweeps. The composite lines can carry current densities ranging from 500 to 2500 A/cm~2.