Photovoltaics, more generally known as solar cells, are made from semiconducting materials that convert light into electricity. Solar cells have received much attention in recent years due to their promise as clean and efficient light-harvesting devices. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) could play a crucial role in these devices and have been the subject of much research, which continues to this day. SWNTs are known to outperform multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) at low densities, because of the difference in their optical transmittance for the same current density, which is the most important parameter in comparing SWNTs and MWNTs. SWNT films show semiconducting features, which make SWNTs function as active or charge-transporting materials. This chapter, consisting of two sections, focuses on the use of SWNTs in solar cells. In the first section, we discuss SWNTs as a light harvester and charge transporter in the photoactive layer, which are reviewed chronologically to show the history of the research progress. In the second section, we discuss SWNTs as a transparent conductive layer outside of the photoactive layer, which is relatively more actively researched. This section introduces SWNT applications in silicon solar cells, organic solar cells, and perovskite solar cells each, from their prototypes to recent results. As we go along, the science and prospects of the application of solar cells will be discussed.

光伏，通常被称为太阳能电池，是由将光转换为电的半导体材料制成的。近年来，由于太阳能电池作为清洁高效的光收集设备的承诺，因此备受关注。单壁碳纳米管（SWNT）可能在这些设备中起关键作用，并且一直是许多研究的主题，这一研究一直持续到今天。在相同的电流密度下，SWNT的光透射率不同，因此已知SWNT在低密度下的性能要优于多壁碳纳米管（MWNT），这是比较SWNT和MWNT时最重要的参数。SWNT薄膜具有半导体特性，这使SWNT可以用作活性或电荷传输材料。本章由两部分组成，重点介绍SWNT在太阳能电池中的使用。在第一部分中，我们讨论了单壁碳纳米管在光敏层中作为光收集器和电荷传输体的过程，并按时间顺序对其进行了回顾，以显示研究进展的历史。在第二部分中，我们将SWNT讨论为光敏层之外的透明导电层，对此进行了较为积极的研究。本节将从原型到最新成果，分别介绍SWNT在硅太阳能电池，有机太阳能电池和钙钛矿太阳能电池中的应用。随着我们的前进，将讨论太阳能电池应用的科学和前景。我们将SWNTs讨论为光敏层之外的透明导电层，对此进行了较为积极的研究。本节将从原型到最新成果，分别介绍SWNT在硅太阳能电池，有机太阳能电池和钙钛矿太阳能电池中的应用。随着我们的前进，将讨论太阳能电池应用的科学和前景。我们将SWNTs讨论为光敏层之外的透明导电层，对此进行了较为积极的研究。本节将从原型到最新成果，分别介绍SWNT在硅太阳能电池，有机太阳能电池和钙钛矿太阳能电池中的应用。随着我们的前进，将讨论太阳能电池应用的科学和前景。