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Enhancement in electrical performance of thin-film silicon solar cells based on a micro- and nano-textured zinc oxide electrodes

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  • Chen, Ze
  • Zhang, Xiao-dan
  • Fang, Jia
  • Liang, Jun-hui
  • Liang, Xue-jiao
  • Sun, Jian
  • Zhang, De-kun
  • Wang, Ning
  • Zhao, Hui-xu
  • Chen, Xin-liang
  • Huang, Qian
  • Wei, Chang-chun
  • Zhao, Ying

Abstract

Boron-doped ZnO (BZO) films deposited by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) generally act as transparent conductive oxide films in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells and exhibit a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) performance in the short-wavelength region. They, therefore, facilitate efficient use of sunlight in solar cells. However, sharp surface features on the BZO film may result in nano-cracks and voids in the cells. In this study, we devised a process for modifying these sharp features. The BZO films were smoothened by performing a sputtering hydrogen-doped ZnO (HZO) layer using a magnetron sputtering system. The a-Si:H solar cells based on BZO films subjected to this treatment exhibited a higher open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency; however, their short-circuit current density (Jsc) decreased slightly. In an attempt to increase the Jsc while maintaining a high electrical performance for the solar cells, we deposited an additional thin BZO film on the sputter-treated one to realize a micro- and nano-textured structure. This strategy succeeded in increasing Jsc and also caused a further improvement in the Voc, FF, and efficiency. As a result, over 10% efficiency of a-Si:H solar cells based on BZO electrodes with a micro- and nano-textured structure was achieved. Moreover, the thickness of the cell is only 300nm.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Ze & Zhang, Xiao-dan & Fang, Jia & Liang, Jun-hui & Liang, Xue-jiao & Sun, Jian & Zhang, De-kun & Wang, Ning & Zhao, Hui-xu & Chen, Xin-liang & Huang, Qian & Wei, Chang-chun & Zhao, Ying, 2014. "Enhancement in electrical performance of thin-film silicon solar cells based on a micro- and nano-textured zinc oxide electrodes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C), pages 158-164.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:135:y:2014:i:c:p:158-164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.08.097
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