In this work, we present the use of a simple, cost-effective, 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 35μm-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 .

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Omar K. Abudayyeh¹, Nathan D. Gapp², Geoffrey K. Bradshaw², David M. Wilt², Sang M. Han^1
1Univesity of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
²Air Force Research Laboratories, Kirtland AFB, NM