Carbon nanotubes: A multi-functional material for organic optoelectronics

Abstract

In recent years carbon nanotubes have emerged as a versatile material suitable for hybrid macro-electronic devices employing organic semiconductors, with the potential to address many of the barriers to the widespread exploitation of organic semiconductors as the basis for low cost, large area, flexible optoelectronics. This paper focuses on the applications of carbon nanotubes in organic light-emitting diodes and photovoltaics. These related devices are currently being pursued with much anticipation as energy efficient solid state lighting and a scalable means of harvesting electrical energy from sunlight. In this paper particular emphasis is placed on the utility of multi-wall carbon nanotubes which have received much less attention than single wall carbon nanotubes for these applications despite offering a number of key advantages. © 2008 The Royal Society of Chemistry.