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A monolithic all-silicon multi-junction solar device for direct water splitting

Author

Listed:
  • Nordmann, S.
  • Berghoff, B.
  • Hessel, A.
  • Wilck, N.
  • Osullivan, B.
  • Debucquoy, M.
  • John, J.
  • Starschich, S.
  • Knoch, J.

Abstract

We present a silicon-based, monolithic multi-junction solar device that is suitable for the sustainable and reliable production of hydrogen. It is based on an interdigitated back-contact (IBC) solar cell which is modified, so that the p- and n-regions are connected in a combination of series and parallel connections, which triples the photovoltage compared to a single-junction cell. Thus, it provides a potential larger than the water redox potential of 1.23 V plus over-potentials at the electrodes. We fabricated a working demonstrator with an open-circuit voltage of 1.81 V and a short-circuit current density of 12.2 mA/cm2. The processing can be integrated in an existing IBC cell line with one additional fabrication step and a modified contact layout. Coupled to a 1 M H2SO4 electrolysis system, with Pt and RuO2 electrodes, our device shows a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 8%. In contrast to existing solutions, which are based on external series connections, it does not suffer from ohmic losses and holds the potential to reach 16.6%.

Suggested Citation

  • Nordmann, S. & Berghoff, B. & Hessel, A. & Wilck, N. & Osullivan, B. & Debucquoy, M. & John, J. & Starschich, S. & Knoch, J., 2016. "A monolithic all-silicon multi-junction solar device for direct water splitting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 90-95.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:94:y:2016:i:c:p:90-95
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2016.03.050
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