University of Pretoria
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Enhancing the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells : bacterial cellulose

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posted on 2025-01-21, 13:43 authored by Modisa NtobengModisa Ntobeng

The dataset underpinned a dissertation titled "Enhancing the conductivity of bacterial cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol composite for the development of flexible transparent electrodes". The advancement of sustainable and renewable materials in the photovoltaics industry has led to the exploration of new substrates for organic solar cells (OSCs). Bacterial cellulose (BC), generated by aerobic bacteria, has emerged as a promising option due to its unique properties compared to plant cellulose. BC membrane has a higher molecular weight, is transparent, is 99% hydrated, has high cellulose crystallinity (60–90%), high mechanical strength, and full biocompatibility. Presently, conventional conductive metal oxide substrates like fluorinedoped tin oxide (FTO) and indium tin oxide (ITO) dominate the market. However, these ma-terials have drawbacks, including the scarce availability of indium, high costs associated with necessary deposition processes, and the brittle nature of their ceramic structure. These disad-vantages restrict their application in flexible solar cells. Therefore, in this study, we developed transparent, conductive, and flexible films composed of BC and silver nanowires (AgNWs) as an alternative to traditional glass substrates. The shape, microstructure, and arrangement of cellulose fibrils were observed using SEM and TEM. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to examine the crystalline structure of the BC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify functional groups and chemical bonds within the BC; results illustrated the formation of an H-bond between a hydroxyl group and an amine group of the BC.

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Department/Unit

Physics

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  • 6 Clean Water and Sanitation
  • 7 Affordable and Clean Energy