Invertis Journals of Renewable Energy

N. W. P. S. Perera ¹, C. A. N. Fernando ¹, S. A. Ariadurai ²

Affiliations
1 Nano-Technology Research Laboratory, Department of Electronics, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, LK
2 Department of Textile & Apparel Technology, Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, LK

Abstract

Coir is a natural vegetable fibre obtained from the coconut tree. In this research, alkaline-bio scoured bristle coir fibre powder was subjected to alkaline activation by using Potassium Hydroxide (0.1 M). The coir carbon powder was fed into a tube furnace with a constant heating rate of 20°C min^–1 until the temperature reached a range of temperatures between 380°C to 450°C. At a selected temperature between 380°C to 450°C the samples were kept inside the tube furnace for 15 min in a nitrogen flow. Subsequently they were cooled to room temperature and the iodine number was determined. The copper plate was fabricated by using a thin film of Cu₂O which is formed by boiling (5₂10^–3M) solution of copper sulphate. After that Cu/Cu₂O/AC/ITO solid state photovoltaic cell was made with coir AC as the upper electrode. Formed junction at n-Cu₂O/AC interface is believed to be supported toseparatephoto generated charge carriers, in the solid state photovoltaic device. Absorption spectra, XRD measurements, SEM micrographs and photocurrent action spectra were presented in this study.

Keywords

Coir, Activated Carbon, Thin Film Solar Cell.

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