Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Arelis Ledesma-Juarez, A. M. Fernandez
Summary: Cu(In, Ga)Se-2 thin films have desirable optoelectronic properties for applications in solar cells. Commercialization has been limited by costly vacuum deposition methods, but electrodeposition offers a cost-effective alternative. This study investigates the use of different metal salts and voltages to produce CIGS thin films by co-electrodeposition technique, aiming to optimize the stoichiometry for efficient thin film solar cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Louisiane Verger, Vinuyan Ganesaratnam, Virginie Nazabal, Sebastien Chenu, Christophe Calers, David Le Coq, Laurent Calvez, Olivier Hernandez, Xiang-Hua Zhang
Summary: Crystallization in Ga, Sb, and Se glasses was studied, and a correlation between Se content, crystalline phases, and electrical conductivity was observed. The resulting glass-ceramics exhibited significantly higher conductivity compared to other Se-based glass-ceramics.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2024)
Article
Physics, Applied
Aaron S. Gehrke, David E. Sommer, Scott T. Dunham
Summary: In order to improve the performance of Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 thin-film photovoltaic devices, this study investigates the diffusion pathways of In and Ga. Density functional theory is used to identify the most probable defect complexes and mechanisms, as well as calculate their binding energies and migration barriers. Analytic models and simulations are employed to predict the diffusivity of In and Ga under various conditions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
R. Aninat, F. J. van den Bruele, J. J. Schermer, P. Tinnemans, J. Emmelkamp, E. Vlieg, M. van der Vleuten, H. Linden, M. Theelen
Summary: The selenisation process of Cu-Ga-In metallic precursors was studied using in-situ X-ray diffraction, revealing the significant impact of Se crucible temperature and sample temperature on the interdiffusion of Ga and In. Strategies to gain better control over the GGI depth profile, and hence bandgap profile, were discussed in light of the results demonstrating the versatility of the setup.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tomomi Aoki, Kyoshiro Ichikawa, Kenta Sonoda, Muneaki Yamamoto, Tetsuo Tanabe, Tomoko Yoshida
Summary: Meso-porous alpha-Ga2O3 with significantly high photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction with water has been successfully synthesized. The synthesis method involves hydroxidation and calcination to obtain the meso-porous material, which exhibits higher photocatalytic activity compared to previous studies using different types of Ga2O3.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lung-Hsin Tu, Chung-Hao Cai, Chih-Huang Lai
Summary: By forming the ordered vacancy compound phase at the beginning of the selenization process and controlling the Se partial pressure, interlayer TiN thickness, and carrier concentration, a high efficiency of CIGSe solar cells has been achieved.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joo-Hyun Kim, Hyemi Han, Min Kyu Kim, Jongtae Ahn, Do Kyung Hwang, Tae Joo Shin, Byoung Koun Min, Jung Ah Lim
Summary: In this study, a solution-processed near-infrared photodetector based on CIGS was successfully developed, with the incorporation of potassium promoting Se uptake in the film to improve light absorption and charge carrier separation. The addition of potassium also enhanced chalcopyrite crystalline grain growth, increasing charge carrier mobility and ultimately improving photosensitivity and external quantum efficiency of the photodetector.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
T. S. Lopes, J. P. Teixeira, M. A. Curado, B. R. Ferreira, A. J. N. Oliveira, J. M. V. Cunha, M. Monteiro, A. Violas, J. R. S. Barbosa, P. C. Sousa, I. caha, J. Borme, K. Oliveira, J. Ring, W. C. Chen, Y. Zhou, K. Takei, E. Niemi, F. L. Deepak, M. Edoff, G. Brammertz, P. A. Fernandes, B. Vermang, P. M. P. Salome
Summary: The study demonstrates the incorporation of interface passivation structures in ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 based solar cells. A scalable lithography technique, nanoimprint lithography (NIL), was used to pattern a 15 x 15 cm(2) dielectric layer. The performance of devices with NIL nanopatterned dielectric layer was similar to that of devices with electron-beam lithography (EBL) patterning. The impact of lithographic processes on solar cell performance was evaluated, with stainless-steel substrates showing slightly lower performance but good mechanical stability.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Aubin JC. M. Prot, Michele Melchiorre, Felix Dingwell, Anastasia Zelenina, Hossam Elanzeery, Alberto Lomuscio, Thomas Dalibor, Maxim Guc, Robert Fonoll-Rubio, Victor Izquierdo-Roca, Gunnar Kusch, Rachel A. Oliver, Susanne Siebentritt
Summary: The article discusses the achievement of record efficiency in chalcopyrite-based solar cells using a gallium gradient and reveals non-radiative recombination issues at the back contacts of industrial absorbers. The study proposes a model where discrete bandgap phases interlace to form an apparent gradient throughout the thickness of the absorber.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sung-Tae Kim, Vishwa Bhatt, Ye-Chan Kim, Ho-Jung Jeong, Ju-Hyung Yun, Jae-Hyung Jang
Summary: The study demonstrates that Na diffusion can enhance the performance of CIGSe thin-film solar cells by promoting the growth of MoSe2 layer at CIGSe/Mo interface and improving junction properties, leading to an increased photo-conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jakapan Chantana, Bobur Ergashev, Yu Kawano, Takashi Minemoto
Summary: By optimizing the conduction band minimum difference and the total band alignment between different layers, the photovoltaic performance of CIGSSe solar cells can be improved.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alice Debot, Van Ben Chu, Damilola Adeleye, Jerome Guillot, Didier Arl, Michele Melchiorre, Phillip J. Dale
Summary: In this study, an environmentally friendly inkjet-printed indium sulfide (In2S3) buffer layer was developed using benign chemistry and processing conditions. A pre-synthesized indium-thiourea compound was dissolved in a mixture of water and ethanol, and then inkjet printed onto a Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2) absorber. The resulting buffer layer showed good coverage on the surface of the absorber layer, leading to improved device performance.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Sunil Suresh, David J. Rokke, Amandine A. Drew, Essam Alruqobah, Rakesh Agrawal, Alexander R. Uhl
Summary: This article reviews the extrinsic doping concepts for CIGSSe-type absorbers fabricated by ink-based deposition routes, compares the performance of select high-efficiency ink-based devices, and offers an outlook for future process development. It suggests that the mechanisms of ink-based absorbers are fundamentally different from vacuum-based processes and require further investigation.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Priti Singh, Sanjeev Das, Archana Mallik
Summary: In this study, the electroplating mechanism of Cu (In, Ga) Se2 quaternary thin films on FTO-glass substrates was investigated through cyclic voltammetry. Various combinations of salts were used for each stage of deposition, and an optimum deposition potential of -0.65 V was determined. It was found that single step deposition of CIGS was not feasible, and a two-stack approach was attempted.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sarallah Hamtaei, Guy Brammertz, Thierry Kohl, Dilara Gokcen Buldu, Gizem Birant, Jessica de Wild, Marc Meuris, Jef Poortmans, Bart Vermang
Summary: This study identified several significant parameters that have the most impact on the properties of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2) absorbers and potential high-performing solar cells through a one-variable-at-a-time approach. By analyzing these parameters and their impact on key metrics, it was possible to constrain the vast processing window and make optimization feasible for future endeavors.
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)