Improved PEDOT:PSS/c-Si hybrid solar cell using inverted structure and effective passivation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Standard PEDOT:PSS/c-Si hybrid solar cells (HSCs) exhibit limited spectral response, particularly in red and near-infrared regions, due to the window layer configuration.
• This limitation hinders overall photovoltaic performance and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved HSC architecture with enhanced spectral response and power conversion efficiency.
• To investigate the impact of an inverted configuration and passivation layer on HSC performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an inverted HSC by depositing PEDOT:PSS on the rear of the c-Si wafer.
• Passivation of the front side with hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) prior to electrode deposition.

Main Results:

• The inverted HSC demonstrated significantly higher solar cell response in the red and near-infrared spectrum.
• Achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 16.1%, with V_oc = 634 mV, FF = 70.5%, and J_sc = 36.2 mA cm^-2.
• This represents a 33% improvement over control devices.

Conclusions:

• The inverted configuration enhances photon carrier generation, improving spectral response.
• Amorphous silicon passivation reduces carrier recombination, increasing minority carrier lifetime.
• These strategies are effective for improving the performance of organic/c-Si HSCs.