Development and Analysis of Graphene-Sheet-Based GaAs Schottky Solar Cell for Enriched Efficiency

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Semiconductor Physics
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Schottky junction solar cells are a key area of renewable energy research.
• Graphene integration offers potential for enhanced photovoltaic performance.
• Understanding material parameters is crucial for optimizing solar cell efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comparatively study graphene-based gallium arsenide and silicon Schottky junction solar cells.
• To investigate the impact of substrate thickness, graphene work function, and doping concentration on cell performance.
• To identify optimal parameters for maximizing power conversion efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2D numerical modeling and simulation with Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) tools.
• Examined photovoltaic cell performance by varying substrate thickness, graphene transmittance/work function, and n-type doping concentration.
• Analyzed carrier generation and collection efficiency under simulated solar illumination.

Main Results:

• Photogenerated carrier efficiency is highest near the interface region under illumination.
• Optimal parameters include a thicker silicon substrate, higher graphene work function, and moderate doping.
• Achieved maximum power conversion efficiency of 6.5% (1 sun) with J = 4.7 mA/cm², V = 0.19 V, and fill factor = 59.73%.
• External Quantum Efficiency (EQE) exceeded 60%.

Conclusions:

• Substrate thickness, graphene work function, and doping concentration significantly influence graphene-based Schottky solar cell efficiency.
• Optimized structures demonstrate promising performance for future solar cell development.
• This research provides valuable insights for designing high-efficiency graphene-based photovoltaic devices.