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A Novel Ultra-Low Work Function TbFx for High Efficiency Dopant-Free Silicon Solar Cells
Huiqi Wei1, Lanxiang Meng2, Zongtao Liu1
1Institute for Solar Energy Systems, School of Physics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 510006, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|May 8, 2023
Summary
A novel lanthanide terbium fluoride (TbFx) material significantly enhances crystalline silicon solar cell efficiency by improving electron selectivity. This breakthrough offers a promising pathway for advanced photovoltaic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photovoltaics
- Semiconductor Devices
Background:
- Carrier selective contacts are crucial for crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells.
- Surface passivation and work function are key determinants for dopant-free materials.
- Recent research focuses on advanced materials for improved solar cell performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce lanthanide terbium fluoride (TbFx) as a novel electron-selective material.
- To investigate the performance of TbFx in conjunction with a passivated silicon oxide (SiOx) layer for n-type c-Si (n-Si) solar cells.
- To evaluate the impact of the SiOx/TbFx stack on contact resistivity and device efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of electron-selective contacts using TbFx with an ultra-low work function (2.4 eV).
- Deposition of ultrathin passivated SiOx layer by PECVD between TbFx and n-Si.
- Characterization of contact resistivity (ρc) and photovoltaic performance, including open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current (Jsc), and fill factor (FF).
- Analysis of Fermi level pinning effects.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low contact resistivity (ρc) of approximately 3 mΩ cm2 with the TbFx material.
- The SiOx/TbFx stack showed only a slight increase in ρc.
- Elimination of Fermi pinning between aluminum and n-Si, enhancing electron selectivity.
- Significant improvement in Voc for silicon solar cells with SiOx/TbFx/Al contacts.
- Champion efficiency cell achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) approaching 22% with minimal impact on Jsc and FF.
Conclusions:
- Lanthanide terbium fluoride (TbFx) demonstrates excellent potential as an electron-selective material for photovoltaic devices.
- The SiOx passivation layer effectively complements TbFx, enhancing electron selectivity without significantly compromising contact performance.
- This approach offers a viable strategy for developing high-efficiency silicon solar cells.
