Abstract
The structurally robust nature of nanocarbon allotropes, e.g., semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and Coos, makes them tantalizing candidates for thermally stable and mechanically flexible photovoltaic applications. However, Coos rapidly dissociate away from the basal of SWCNTs under thermal stimuli as a result of weak intermolecular forces that "lock up" the binary assemblies. Here, we explore use of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as geometrically tailored protecting layers to suppress the unwanted dissociation of Coos. The underlying mechanisms are explained using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and transition state theory, revealing the temperature dependent disassociation of Coos from the SWCNT basal plane. Our strategy provides fundamental guidelines for integrating all-carbon based nano-p/n junctions with optimized structural and thermal stability. External quantum efficiency and output current-voltage characteristics are used to experimentally quantify the effectiveness of GNR membranes under high temperature annealing. Further, the resulting Coo:SWCNT: GNR ternary composites display excellent mechanical stability, even after iterative bending tests. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.