Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qijing Lin, Fuzheng Zhang, Na Zhao, Ping Yang
Summary: Two sandwiched ZnO/Metal/ZnO transparent conductive thin films with different intermediate layers were fabricated using magnetron sputtering technology. Comparative analysis showed that the addition of a Ti layer improved the overall properties of the ZnO(Ti/Cu) film compared to the ZnO(Cu) film with the same metal layer thickness. The effect of annealing temperature was also studied, revealing that although the carrier concentration did not always increase with temperature, the sheet resistances decreased due to increased mobility. The transmittance of ZnO(Cu) films increased with annealing temperature, while that of ZnO(Ti/Cu) films initially increased and then decreased. The optical band gap of ZnO(Cu) films increased with temperature, but was lower than that of ZnO(Ti/Cu) films, which first increased and then decreased. The figure of merit for the ZnO(Ti/Cu) film was better, indicating that its overall performance was superior, and annealing improved the performance of the film systems.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Tingting Yao, Liyun Ma, Gang Li, Yong Yang, Shuyong Chen, Rumei Zhong, Tianqi Wang, Saiao Peng, Hongxue Shen, Yongkang Tang, Yang Yang, Jiaxin Xu, Jinlei Wang, Zhiping Gan
Summary: In this study, a light-trapping structure was successfully fabricated in a tri-layer transparent conductive film of AZO/PS/AZO. By optimizing the process parameters, the film exhibited high crystallinity, low resistivity, and high average haze value, making it suitable for transparent electrode applications, particularly in thin-film solar cells.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
H. Rahimi, M. J. Karimi, S. Ghajarpour-Nobandegani
Summary: This study investigates the absorption efficiency of a thin-film solar cell composed of metallic nanowires and semiconductors, with results showing over 90% absorption using a rectangular-nanowire system and semi-circular nanowire cross-section in specific wavelength ranges. The high absorption in the visible region could potentially benefit the design of plasmonic solar cells.
Article
Optics
Mohammad Ali Shameli, Leila Yousefi
Summary: A new method utilizing multi-scale photonic topological insulators to enhance sunlight absorption in thin film solar cells is proposed in this paper, and full wave numerical analysis demonstrates significant improvement in short circuit current of the solar cell.
OPTICS AND LASER TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hechao Li, Honglie Shen, Xiangrong Zhu, Jingzhe Zhang, Yufang Li, Hang Bai, Jianian Chen, Jiuchuan Zeng, Jinjie Zheng, Zhen Yue, Wenhao Zhang
Summary: In this study, ZnO/Cu/ZnO (ZCZ) TCO film with high transmittance and flexibility was prepared and applied in flexible CSCs to improve flexibility. The CSCs with ZC9Z film exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.01% without bending, higher than that of CSCs with ITO film. The PCE ratio of CSCs with ZC9Z film to that of CSCs with ITO film was 5.83 and 9.09 after a bending diameter of 8 mm and 1000 cyclic bending, showing excellent flexibility of CSCs with ZC9Z film.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ping Zhang, Lijun Wang, Sujun Guan, Hirofumi Naganuma, Yuri Tamamoto, Xinwei Zhao
Summary: By extending the sputtering time, the crystalline quality of ZnO thin films is improved, leading to enhanced optical properties and significantly improved performance of P3HT-ZnO solar cells.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Yaelim Hwang, Haena Yim, Kwanyoung Oh, Jiseul Park, Sohee Kim, Ho-Won Jang, Ji-Won Choi
Summary: Silicon nitride-based electrodes (SiNx) have been proposed as candidates for high-capacity transparent anode electrodes, but their low electrical conductivity limits their application in thin film batteries. To overcome this, we introduced uniformly dispersed Ag nanoparticles in SiNx thin film to enhance electrochemical properties without affecting transmittance. The addition of Ag increased the capacity of the thin-film battery and allowed for higher C rates, while maintaining optical transmittance over 60% in the visible range.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoting Qing, Chuanyu Zhang, Jiayi Gong, Shuwei Chen
Summary: This paper studied the photoelectric properties of ZnO thin films, different growth directions, and calculated the electronic and optical properties. It concluded that the (002) crystal plane is the best growth direction, providing a theoretical basis for the preparation of better ZnO thin films.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
E. Seim, A. Kohler, R. Lukacs, M. A. Brandsrud, E. S. Marstein, E. Olsen, R. Blumel
Summary: The research team maximizes absorption by trapping light rays in chaotic scattering systems and proposes the use of an autocorrelation function to assess the average path length of rays as a possible experimental method to verify light-trapping efficiency.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongen Li, Yizhi Hu, Hao Wang, Qi Tao, Yonggang Zhu, Yue Yang
Summary: A composite light-trapping structure is proposed in this study, utilizing a double-layer antireflection coating on the upper surface and Ag hemispheres on the substrate to enhance full-spectrum light absorption. The light-trapping effects remain efficient over different thicknesses of the active layer, with the short-circuit current density (J(sc)) of thin-film solar cells approaching the theoretical limit with the optimized structure.
Article
Physics, Applied
Thanh Tran, Young Kim, Nina Baule, Maheshwar Shrestha, Bocong Zheng, Keliang Wang, Thomas Schuelke, Qi Hua Fan
Summary: A single-beam ion source was developed and used in combination with magnetron sputtering to modulate the film microstructure. This method allows for adjustable magnetron voltage and current, resulting in the formation of polycrystalline ITO thin films with improved properties.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Soo-Won Choi, Jae-Ho Park, Ji-Hoon Kim, Yonghun Kim, Pungkeun Song, Myunhun Shin, Jung-Dae Kwon
Summary: Transparent hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells with light-trapping structures on the front electrodes were fabricated for building-integrated photovoltaic windows. The introduction of light-trapping structures increased the output current and power under low-irradiance conditions, although it also caused defects in the cells. The light-trapping effect and optimal conversion efficiency varied with light intensity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor V. Petrov, Irina O. Ignatieva, Maria G. Volkova, Irina A. Gulyaeva, Ilya V. Pankov, Ekaterina M. Bayan
Summary: Transparent Al-doped ZnO films were synthesized by solid-phase pyrolysis and characterized by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The films exhibit wurtzite structure and have a uniform distribution of nanoparticles. The introduction of 1% Al results in a narrowed band gap and improved response time to radiation.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sunghyun Moon, Kangho Kim, Youngjo Kim, Ho Kwan Kang, Kyung-Ho Park, Jaejin Lee
Summary: By transferring ultrathin Ge single-junction solar cell structures onto flexible substrates using an epitaxial lift-off method, a novel lattice-matched thin-film InGaP/(In)GaAs/Ge tandem solar cell with high efficiency, low cost, and lightweight properties can be achieved.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Himadri Sekhar Das, Rajesh Das, Prasanta Kumar Nandi, Sajal Biring, Subir Kumar Maity
Summary: The study demonstrates that Ga-doped ZnO thin films can serve as a promising alternative anode material in OLEDs, replacing ITO and SnO2:F films. Experimental results show that ZnO:Ga films exhibit excellent performance in terms of transparency and electrical properties, suitable for OLEDs and other optoelectronic devices.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fan Fu, Jia Li, Terry Chien-Jen Yang, Haoming Liang, Antonin Faes, Quentin Jeangros, Christophe Ballif, Yi Hou
Summary: This review focuses on the scientific and technological challenges of monolithic 2-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, including factors limiting power conversion efficiency, pathways to achieve higher efficiency, and stability issues. Key areas of research to bring this technology from the lab to industrial production are highlighted.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Frank Meyer, Andrea Ingenito, Juan J. Diaz Leon, Xavier Niquille, Christophe Allebe, Sylvain Nicolay, Franz-Josef Haug, Christophe Ballif
Summary: This work presents the development of passivating contacts for two side contacted c-Si solar cells based on thin interfacial oxide/doped polysilicon. Optimization of layer thickness led to solar cells with high open circuit voltage and fill factor. Localization of the front side passivating contact was achieved through deposition with a shadow mask, resulting in high-efficiency c-Si solar cells with promising efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ebrar Oezkalay, Gabi Friesen, Mauro Caccivio, Pierluigi Bonomo, Andrew Fairbrother, Christophe Ballif, Alessandro Virtuani
Summary: Due to restricted rear-side ventilation, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) modules and systems tend to have elevated operating temperatures. A study conducted in Southern Switzerland found that BIPV modules operated at significantly higher temperatures and experienced greater day-night temperature variations compared to modules in an open-rack configuration.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean Cattin, Delphine Petri, Jonas Geissbuehler, Matthieu Despeisse, Christophe Ballif, Mathieu Boccard
Summary: The effect of light soaking and forward electric bias treatment on silicon heterojunction solar cells and modules, along with the influence of thermal treatment during lamination, is investigated. It is found that the lamination process can partially reset the improved performance after electric bias or light soaking. However, a second treatment after lamination can improve performance again, leading to similar final performance regardless of the prelamination treatment.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andrew Fairbrother, Hugo Quest, Ebrar Ozkalay, Philipp Walchli, Gabi Friesen, Christophe Ballif, Alessandro Virtuani
Summary: This study reports on the long-term performance of 55 BIPV systems in Switzerland, finding a median degradation rate of 0.06% per year with significant variation. An algorithm was developed to estimate shading severity in systems experiencing shading issues. It was observed that newer systems have higher shading severity while larger capacity systems have lower shading severity, emphasizing the importance of innovative BIPV module and system design to alleviate shading stresses.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Audrey Morisset, Theodosios Famprikis, Franz-Josef Haug, Andrea Ingenito, Christophe Ballif, Lars J. Bannenberg
Summary: This study investigates the structural evolution of poly-Si contacts using in situ X-ray techniques, revealing the densification and thinning of the poly-Si layer during annealing, as well as the disruption of the thin SiOx layer at high temperature. The results emphasize the importance of controlling high-temperature processes when fabricating c-Si solar cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jakub Holovsky, Jakub Sebera, Vladimir Sychrovsky, Jan Zemen, Stefaan De Wolf, Christophe Ballif
Summary: In this work, periodic DFT simulations were used to assign vibrational spectra on nanorough wet-processed hydrogenated Si(111) surfaces, providing a better understanding of the imperfect and nanorough Si(111) surfaces through vibrational spectroscopy.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
F-J Haug, S. Libraro, M. Lehmann, A. Morisset, A. Ingenito, C. Ballif
Summary: This study investigates bulk and interface recombination in crystalline silicon with p-type fired passivating contacts. It is found that bulk defects close to one of the band edges are formed at temperatures between 450 and 700 degrees C, but they are progressively cured at temperatures above 800 degrees C. At the same time, the surface passivation deteriorates at temperatures above 800 degrees C, allowing the injection of a recombination current into the SiCx layer. A trade-off for the effective minority carrier lifetime is observed between 800 and 830 degrees C.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mario Lehmann, Anatole Desthieux, Nathalie Valle, Audrey Morisset, Philippe Wyss, Santhana Eswara, Tom Wirtz, Andrea Ingenito, Pere Roca i Cabarrocas, Christophe Ballif, Franz-Josef Haug
Summary: This article investigates the effect of various processing steps during the fabrication of c-Si/SiOx/SiCx fired passivating contacts on the silicon bulk lifetime, as well as the kinetics of defect deactivation by hydrogenation. The results show a faster passivation of the surface and a slower passivation of shallow bulk defects. The kinetics of the hydrogenation process is limited by the available hydrogen supply at the c-Si/SiOx interface, rather than by diffusion within the bulk of the wafer.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Luca Antognini, Corentin Sthioul, Julie Dreon, Vincent Paratte, Deniz Tuerkay, Laurie-Lou Senaud, Christophe Ballif, Mathieu Boccard
Summary: In this study, the researchers performed experiments on the thickness and PH3 doping of nc-Si:H(n) layers to investigate their desirable characteristics along the growth direction. It was found that increasing the PH3 flow is necessary to improve the conductivity, but too high flows lead to amorphization of the layers. To overcome this, a thin a-Si:H(n) layer was integrated underneath the nc-Si:H(n) layer, and the impact of higher ITO doping and SiOx capping was also studied.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andrew Fairbrother, Luca Gnocchi, Christophe Ballif, Alessandro Virtuani
Summary: Corrosion is a major degradation and failure mode in photovoltaic modules, but its progression is gradual. Researchers have developed an accelerated aging test to study the behavior of acetic acid corrosion and assist in screening new PV materials and component technologies.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Luca Antognini, Laurie-Lou Senaud, Deniz Turkay, Lison Marthey, Julie Dreon, Bertrand Paviet-Salomon, Matthieu Despeisse, Mathieu Boccard, Christophe Ballif
Summary: In this study, accurate breakdown of series resistance (R-S) in a 2 cm x 2 cm screen-printed solar cell was performed using multiple approaches. Experimental observations differed from theoretical expectations, and the accuracy of different methods in predicting R-S and its trend varied. Practical differences between the methods were discussed and possible improvements were proposed.
11TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CRYSTALLINE SILICON PHOTOVOLTAICS (SILICONPV 2021)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Energy & Fuels
Steve Askins, Cesar Dominguez, Gael Nardin, Mathieu Ackermann, Delphine Petri, Matthieu Despeisse, Jacques Levrat, Xavier Niquille, Christophe Ballif, Juan F. Martinez, Marc Steiner, Gerald Siefer, Ignacio Anton
Summary: Significant progress has been made on the Insolight solar panel within the EU-funded project HIPERION. The latest results for Genl solar panels show significant improvement in self-tracking performance even with a 5X increase in module area.
17TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONCENTRATOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS (CPV-17)
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shahriyar Safat Dipta, Md Habibur Rahaman, Walia Binte Tarique, Ashraful Hossain Howlader, Ayush Pratik, John A. Stride, Ashraf Uddin
Summary: Implementing a double-sided passivation approach can enhance the performance of n-i-p structured PSCs and improve the stability and photovoltaic properties of the cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Daniel Ourinson, Andreas Brand, Andreas Lorenz, Marwan Dhamrin, Sebastian Tepner, Michael Linse, Nathalie Goettlicher, Kosuke Tsuji, Jonas D. Huyeng, Florian Clement
Summary: This work presents two approaches to reduce the amount of silver on the rear side of M2-sized industrial iTOPCon solar cells. The Cu-based approach shows promise with similar power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional approach, while the Al-based approach exhibits some limitations but demonstrates the potential of such type of contact for iTOPCon solar cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abasifreke Ebong, Donald Intal, Sandra Huneycutt, Thad Druffel, Ruvini Dharmadasa, Kevin Elmer, Apolo Nambo
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful metallization of a PERC silicon solar cell using screen-printable copper (Cu) paste. The Cu paste contains antioxidant additives and diffusion inhibitors to prevent oxidation and diffusion of Cu. The Cu-printed cells achieved an efficiency of 19% and showed no Cu diffusion after characterization tests. The long-term stability and effectiveness of the Cu diffusion barrier were also confirmed.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Senami Zogbo, Wilfried Favre, Olivier Bonino, Marie-Estelle Gueunier-Farret
Summary: Measuring specific contact resistivity (pc) is crucial for interface engineering in high efficiency solar cells. The Transfer Length Method (TLM) is commonly used for evaluating layer sheet resistance (Rsheet) and pc, but it is not suitable for metal/Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) interface evaluation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells. This study investigates the parameters that restrict current confinement within the TCO, including mid-gap trap density (Dit) at the a-Si:H/c-Si interface and the activation energy (Ea = Ec - EF) variation of a-Si:H contact layers.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: The phenomenon of ribbon lengthening in PV modules exposed to thermal cycling is not well explained in the literature. In this study, a three layers model is proposed to explain this effect, and the predictions of the model are validated through finite element method simulations and experiments. The results show that the model predictions are consistent with the indirect measurements, but not with the direct measurements. Additionally, it is inferred that the encapsulant plays a role after the solder failure.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume
Summary: This study investigates the problematic ribbon lengthening observed in PV modules exposed to high amplitude thermal cycling. A simplified system model is proposed and accurate predictions are obtained using the Finite Element Method. The results show that the thickness of the encapsulant has a substantial impact on the lengthening of the ribbons.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Catalan-Gomez, E. Martinez Castellano, M. Schwarz, M. Montes Bajo, L. Dorado Vargas, A. Gonzalo, A. Redondo-Cubero, A. Gallego Carro, A. Hierro, J. M. Ulloa
Summary: This study investigates the use of core-shell gallium nanoparticles as functional light scatterers on solar cells. By optimizing the nanoparticle size, the short-circuit current of the solar cells is significantly improved. The underlying physical mechanism is studied through optical measurements and simulations, and a method to reduce the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles is demonstrated.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
M. Gamel, G. Lopez, A. M. Medrano, A. Jimenez, A. Datas, M. Garin, I. Martin
Summary: In this study, a highly reflective ohmic contact to p-type c-Ge material is demonstrated, which can improve the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic devices. The experimental results show that this contact can simultaneously meet the requirements of good back surface passivation, low electrical resistivity, and high reflectivity. Moreover, simulations suggest that implementing these back contacts has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies comparable to high-efficiency c-Ge TPV cells.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hongyang Wei, Qing Xu, Dongchu Chen, Min Chen, Menglei Chang, Xiufang Ye
Summary: This study prepared solar selective absorption films based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) photonic crystals using a unique electrodeposition method. The Co-Ag electrodeposited film exhibited superior solar selective absorption properties and thermal stability.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ankit Kumar, Ankit Chauhan, Jordi Llobet, Helder Fonseca, Patricia C. Sousa, Carlos Calaza, Gil Shalev
Summary: This study found that decorating subwavelength arrays with SiO2 quasi-nanolenses (qNL arrays) can enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum. Optical absorption mechanisms in qNL arrays were investigated using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), revealing that the enhancement is a result of the combination of effective antireflection coating, increased optical interactions between adjacent dielectrics for elevated light trapping, and strong light concentration due to the presence of qNLs.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
S. Pingel, T. Wenzel, N. Goettlicher, M. Linse, L. Folcarelli, J. Schube, S. Hoffmann, S. Tepner, Y. C. Lau, J. Huyeng, A. Lorenz, F. Clement
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential to reduce silver consumption in highly efficient SHJ cells through fine-line screen printing using low temperature paste with various screens. The results show that using finer mesh allows for narrower grid fingers and lower resistance, leading to improved cell efficiency. Simulation results indicate that module wire configuration is crucial for reducing silver consumption.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xibo He, Jun Qiu, Wei Wang, Yicheng Hou, Yong Shuai
Summary: This paper proposes a novel phase change material with high thermal conductivity and stability for fast photo-thermal conversion and storage. The experimental results demonstrate excellent durability and stability of the phase change material, with good performance in thermal conductivity and thermal storage efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Zheng Liu, Guohua Liu
Summary: A new evaporating structure consisting of liquid marble with tunable nanowire array is proposed to enhance solar evaporation. The experiments show that the liquid marble with nanowire array exhibits outstanding evaporation performance, which has significant implications for seawater desalination or wastewater treatment.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hao Liu, Qiming Liu, Jinpei Liu, Yonggang Zhao, Yingjie Yu, Yue An, Ganghui Wei, Yanzheng Li, Yujun Fu, Junshuai Li, Deyan He
Summary: Moisture in the air is identified as the main cause of performance degradation in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Exposure to air leads to the growth of thin oxide layer on the interface and the formation of silver sulfide, increasing the series resistance and decreasing the fill factor, thus degrading the cell performance.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Blanco, P. Martin, M. Dominguez, P. Fernandez-Palacios, I. Lombardero, C. Sanchez-Perez, I. Garcia, C. Algora, M. Gabas
Summary: This study addresses the lack of optical parameters for p-type Ge wafers by determining the complex refractive indices of commercial Ge wafers with varying doping levels. The obtained data successfully reproduces the critical points associated with interband transitions and absorption features below the bandgap. The refractive indices were validated through experimental measurements and solar cell simulations.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2024)
