Improving power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells by cooperative LSPR of gold-silver dual nanoparticles

Enhancing optical and electrical performances is effective in improving power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Here, gold and silver dual nanoparticles were imported and embedded in the hole transport layer of perovskite solar cells. Due to the cooperative localized surface plasmon resonance of these two kinds of metal nanostructures, light harvest of perovskite material layer and the electrical performance of device were improved, which finally upgraded short circuit current density by 10.0%, and helped to increase power conversion efficiency from 10.4% to 11.6% under AM 1.5G illumination with intensity of 100 m W/cm~2. In addition, we explored the influence of silver and gold nanoparticles on charge carrier generation, dissociation, recombination, and transportation inside perovskite solar cells.     

Efficient nanocoax‐based solar cells

The power conversion efficiency of most thin film solar cells is compromised by competing optical and electronic constraints, wherein a cell must be thick enough to collect light yet thin enough to efficiently extract current. Here, we introduce a nanoscale solar architecture inspired by a well‐known radio technology concept, the coaxial cable, that naturally resolves this “thick–thin” conundrum. Optically thick and elec‐ tronically thin amorphous silicon “nanocoax” cells are in the range of 8% efficiency, higher than any nanostructured thin film solar cell to date. Moreover, the thin nature of the cells reduces the Staebler–Wronski light‐induced degradation effect, a major problem with conventional solar cells of this type. This nanocoax represents a new platform for low cost, high efficiency solar power. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Amorphous silicon solar cells on nano‐imprinted commodity paper without sacrificing efficiency

Paper is a cheap substrate which is in principle compatible with the process temperature applied in the plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) and hot wire CVD (HWCVD) of thin film silicon solar cells. The main drawback of paper for this application is the porosity due to its fibre like structure. The feature size (micrometre scale) is larger than the thickness of the applied photovoltaic layers. To overcome this problem, UV curable lacquer was used to planarize the surface. Plain 80 grams printer paper was taken as a substrate and the lacquer smoothens the rough surface of the paper such that a designed nanostructure can be imprinted for light scattering. In this manner single junction amorphous silicon solar cells with a HWCVD deposited intrinsic layer were processed on paper, without any concessions to the process temperature of 200 °C. The cell performance is comparable to that of reference cells grown on stainless steel, proving that solar cells can be deposited on paper substrates without sacrificing performance. PV on paper could be applied as ”disposable” power source for gadgets, electronic labelling, remote sensing systems, etc. (Internet of Things). (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A new direction in design and manufacture of co-sensitized dye solar cells: Toward concurrent optimization of power conversion efficiency and durability

A novel methodology was implemented in the present study to concurrently control power conversion efficiency (η) and durability (D) of co-sensitized dye solar cells. Applying response surface methodology (RSM) and Desirability Function (DF), the main influential assembling (dye volume ratio and anti-aggregation agent concentration) and operational (performance temperature) parameters were systematically changed to probe their main and interactive effects on the η and D responses. Individual optimization based on RSM elucidated that D can be solely controlled by changing the ratio of vat-based organic photosensitizers, whereas η takes both effects of dye volume ratio and anti-aggregation concentration into account. Among the studied factors, the performance temperature played the most vital role in η and D regulation. In particular, however, multi-objective optimization by DF explored the degree to which one should be careful about manipulation of assembling and operational parameters in the way maximization of performance of a co-sensitized dye solar cell.     

有机太阳能电池能量转化效率的提高思路

能源问题是目前最为关注的焦点之一,随着社会的进步和工业的发展,地球上已探明可使用的化学燃料能源,包括石油、天然气和煤等,日趋枯竭.太阳能的利用已引起各国的重视.光伏器件是太阳能利用的最为重要的手段之一,有机太阳电池在此类器件中将承担极其重要的角色.但低的光电转换效率是阻碍其产业化的瓶颈.为此简要综述了提高有机太阳能电池...     

Effect of an Al-doped ZnO electron transport layer on the efficiency of inverted bulk heterojunction solar cells

Doping is a widely-implemented strategy for enhancing the inherent electrical properties of metal oxide charge transport layers in photovoltaic devices because higher conductivity of electron transport layer (ETL) can increment the photocurrent by reducing the series resistance. To improve the conductivity of ETL, in this study we doped the ZnO layer with aluminum (Al), then investigated the influence of AZO on the performance of inverted bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells based on poly [[4,8-bis [(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo [1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-2,6-diyl]-[3-fluoro-2[(2-ethylhexyl)-carbonyl]-thieno-[3,4-b]thiophenediyl ]] (PTB7):[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM). The measured conductivity of AZO was ~10⁻³ S/cm, which was two orders of magnitude higher than that of intrinsic ZnO (~10⁻⁵ S/cm). By decreasing the series resistance (R_s) in a device with an AZO layer, the short circuit current (J_sc) increased significantly from 15.663 mA/cm² to 17.040 mA/cm². As a result, the device with AZO exhibited an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.984%.     

提高微晶硅薄膜太阳电池效率的研究

采用甚高频等离子体增强化学气相沉积技术制备了系列微晶硅薄膜太阳电池，指出了气体总流量和背反射电极的类型对电池性能参数的影响.电池的I-V测试结果表明：随反应气体总流量的增加，对应电池的短路电流密度、开路电压和填充因子都有很大程度的提高，结果使得电池的光电转换效率得以提高.另外，ZnO/Ag/Al背反射电极能明显提高电池的短路电流密度，进而也提高了电池的光电转换效率.对气体总流量和背反射电极类型影响电池效率的原因进行了分析. 关键词： 微晶硅薄膜太阳电池 气体流量 ZnO/Ag/Al背反射电极     

Nanotextured multicrystalline Al‐BSF solar cells reaching 18% conversion efficiency using industrially viable solar cell processes

We report recent achievements in adapting industrially used solar cell processes on nanotextured surfaces. Nanostructures were etched into c‐Si surfaces by dry exothermic plasma‐less reaction of F species with Si in atmospheric pressure conditions and then modified using a short post‐etching process. Nanotextured multicrystalline wafers are used to prepare Al‐BSF solar cells using industrially feasible solar cell proc‐ essing steps. In comparison to the reference acidic textured solar cells, the nanostructured cells showed gain in short circuit current (J_sc) of up to 0.8 mA/cm² and absolute gain in conversion efficiency of up to 0.3%. The best nanotextured solar cell was independently certified to reach the conversion efficiency of 18.0%. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

新形态太阳能电池

保护环境、发展可再生资源是关系到国计民生的重大问题,特别是怎样利用取之不尽、用之不竭的太阳能这一问题,逐渐受到世界各国的重视.太阳能电池作为能有效地将太阳能转化为电能的器件,近年来受到了学术界及产业界的广泛关注.目前国际上广泛应用的平板硅太阳能电池存在造价昂贵、质量重、无形变能力等缺点,因此,怎样从降低成本、提高柔性等方面改进太阳能电池的设计与制备就成为了研究的热点.文章结合近年来国内外期刊杂志上发表的相关研究工作,从电池形态上,分类综述了硬性平板、柔性平板、丝网状、纤维态太阳能电池的结构特点、研究历史及发展现状,提出了目前柔性太阳能电池存在的技术难题和部分解决方案.特别是近年来最新研究报道的纤维态柔性太阳能电池,由于完全突破了平面基底的限制,具有质量轻、可弯折、用途广泛等特点,作为新形态太阳能电池的代表在文中进行了较全面的介绍.     

新形态太阳能电池

保护环境、发展可再生资源是关系到国计民生的重大问题,特别是怎样利用取之不尽、用之不竭的太阳能这一问题,逐渐受到世界各国的重视.太阳能电池作为能有效地将太阳能转化为电能的器件,近年来受到了学术界及产业界的广泛关注.目前国际上广泛应用的平板硅太阳能电池存在造价昂贵、质量重、无形变能力等缺点,因此,怎样从降低成本、提高柔性等方面改进太阳能电池的设计与制备就成为了研究的热点.文章结合近年来国内外期刊杂志上发表的相关研究工作,从电池形态上,分类综述了硬性平板、柔性平板、丝网状、纤维态太阳能电池的结构特点、研究历史及发展现状,提出了目前柔性太阳能电池存在的技术难题和部分解决方案.特别是近年来最新研究报道的纤维态柔性太阳能电池,由于完全突破了平面基底的限制,具有质量轻、可弯折、用途广泛等特点,作为新形态太阳能电池的代表在文中进行了较全面的介绍.     

Nano Ag-enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency in all-inorganic,hole-transporting-layer-free CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cells

All-inorganic, hole-transporting-layer-free CsPbIBr₂ perovskite solar cells have great potential for development, but their device performance needs to be further improved. Recently, metal nanostructures have been successfully applied in the field of solar cells to improve their performance. Nano Ag-enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) in one CsPbIBr₂ perovskite solar cell utilizing localized surface plasmons of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface has been researched experimentally and by simulation in this paper. The localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs has a near-field enhancement effect, which is expected to improve the light absorption of CsPbIBr₂ perovskite photovoltaic devices. In addition, Ag NPs have a forward-scattering effect on the incident light, which can also improve the performance of CsPbIBr₂-based perovskite photovoltaic devices. By directly assembling Ag NPs (with a size of about 150 nm) on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide it is found when the particle surface coverage is 10%, the CsPbIBr₂ perovskite photovoltaic device achieves a best PCE of 2.7%, which is 9.76% higher than that of the control group. Without changing any existing structure in the ready-made solar cell, this facile and efficient method has huge applications. To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first report on nano Ag-enhanced photoelectric conversion efficiency in this kind of CsPbIBr₂ perovskite solar cell.     

Improved exciton dissociation efficiency by a carbon-quantum-dot doped workfunction modifying layer in polymer solar cells

In addition to the phase-separated morphology of donor and acceptor, the internal field created by work-function difference between cathode and anode can also influence the exciton dissociation probability. In this study, we have demonstrated enhanced photovoltaic performance by increasing exciton dissociation efficiency. To improve both work-function modification effect and charge transport properties, we have incorporated novel carbon quantum dots (CQD) having NH₂ ligands into the polyethyleneimine (PEI) work-function modifying layer as a dopant. A study of net photocurrent density as a function of effective voltage showed that devices with a CQD-doped PEI layer had a much higher charge separation probability compared to devices with a pristine PEI layer. A Kelvin-probe force microscopy study demonstrated that a CQD-doped PEI layer induced lower work-function of ITO than that of ITO with a pristine PEI, which induced a stronger internal field. This strengthened internal field induced better exciton dissociation efficiency, thereby improving solar cell performance.     

CuGaSe2 solar cells with 9.7% power conversion efficiency

Heterojunctions, such as ZnO/CdS/CuGaSe₂, were fabricated for photovoltaic applications. Optimization of device structures based on monocrystalline CuGaSe₂ led to the highest-to-date power conversion efficiencies for CuGaSe₂ solar cells. At room temperature under 100 mW/cm² AM1.5 illumination a maximum cell efficiency of 9.7% was achieved, given by an open-circuit voltage of 946 mV, a short circuit current density of 15.5 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 66.5%. Preparation and performance of the optimum device are described. Current voltage characteristics dependent on illumination intensity and temperature, spectral response and electron-beam-induced current measurements were performed to determine the device parameters as well as to analyse the current transport and loss mechanisms. Tunneling, assisted by defect levels in the CdS layer, seems to play a major role. High injection effects are observed at forward bias ofV > 0.5 V or an illumination level ofP > 10 mW/cm². Under such conditions, as well as at low temperatures, the non-zero series resistance comes into play. Effects of the shunt resistance, however, are negligible in all cases.     

19.4%‐efficient large‐area fully screen‐printed silicon solar cells

We demonstrate industrially feasible large‐area solar cells with passivated homogeneous emitter and rear achieving energy conversion efficiencies of up to 19.4% on 125 × 125 mm² p‐type 2–3 Ω cm boron‐doped Czochralski silicon wafers. Front and rear metal contacts are fabricated by screen‐printing of silver and aluminum paste and firing in a conventional belt furnace. We implement two different dielectric rear surface passivation stacks: (i) a thermally grown silicon dioxide/silicon nitride stack and (ii) an atomic‐layer‐deposited aluminum oxide/silicon nitride stack. The dielectrics at the rear result in a decreased surface recombination velocity of S_rear = 70 cm/s and 80 cm/s, and an increased internal IR reflectance of up to 91% corresponding to an improved J_sc of up to 38.9 mA/cm² and V_oc of up to 664 mV. We observe an increase in cell efficiency of 0.8% absolute for the cells compared to 18.6% efficient reference solar cells featuring a full‐area aluminum back surface field. To our knowledge, the energy conversion efficiency of 19.4% is the best value reported so far for large area screen‐printed solar cells. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Preheated solvent exposure on P3HT:PCBM thin film: A facile strategy to enhance performance in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells

In this study, we explored the ability of a preheated solvent (methanol) to induce characteristic changes at the organic active layer/metal interface, thereby improving the performance of fabricated organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells composed of poly(3-hexylthiopene) (P3HT) and a [6,6]-phenyl-C₇₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) photoactive blend. Our results demonstrate that exposure to methanol (at room temperature, or preheated at 45 °C or 65 °C) improves the performance of the fabricated OPV cells. After preheated methanol exposure, the P3HT:PCBM thin films were tested for crystallinity, morphology, mobility, and photovoltaic characteristics. Our results revealed that use of the preheated solvent on the organic active layer significantly influences the micro/nano scale morphology and phase segregation of the P3HT:PCBM thin films, as well as the charge carrier mobility. It is hypothesized that the side chain ordering of P3HT and redistribution of PCBM could be results of the modified active layer. Consequently, OPV cells modified with the methanol preheated at 65 °C exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.36%, with open-circuit voltage of 0.59 V, short-circuit current density of 13.83 mA/cm², and fill-factor of 0.41. In contrast, the unmodified P3HT:PCBM thin film (without methanol exposure) showed a PCE of only 2.13%.     

新一代太阳电池概述

文章对新一代太阳电池的基本概念、研究现状和研究目标进行了详细的介绍.从“充分吸收光能,减少能量转换损失”的角度,分析了新一代太阳电池的结构设计特征.以纳米技术与叠层电池结构为基础,就高能光子的利用,介绍了宽带隙吸收层窗口电池、量子点热载流子电池和多重激子激发（MEG）的量子点电池;为解决低能光子损失,介绍了窄带隙光伏材料和中间带光伏器件包括量子点中间带和高失配构建的中间带电池;探讨了利用光-光转换的模式,对上转换和下转换的电池体系以及可能的极限效率进行了阐述.     

Effect of the third component on charge transfer character in ternary organic solar cells with a cascade-type electronic structure

By incorporating a third component into the host donor/acceptor organic components, we theoretically investigate the effects of its electronic structure and spatial location on charge transfer character. It is found that both of the two factors can modulate the distribution of transferred charges, and thus change the role of the third component in charge transfer (i.e., electron donor or acceptor). The binding energy of the formed charge transfer (CT) state is also determined by the two factors. Especially, we find an optimized spatial location of the third component, at which the binding energy of the formed CT state has a minimum value. It suggests that charge separation can be promoted. These findings will provide us a clear direction on how to optimize the electronic structure and spatial location of the third component to further improve the charge transfer and separation in ternary organic solar cells.     

多晶硅中的氧碳行为及其对太阳电池转换效率的影响

认识及控制多晶硅中杂质行为对于实现低成本、高效率多晶硅太阳电池有着重要的意义.利用红外光谱技术研究了定向凝固多晶硅锭中不同部位材料热处理前后的氧浓度、碳浓度变化,结合少子寿命、光电转换效率、内量子效率等电池性能,探索不同含量的氧、碳杂质对电池性能影响的物理机制.提出一种考虑碳影响的氧沉淀生长模型,并模拟了热处理后氧沉淀的尺寸分布和数量.研究发现,碳除了使利用硅锭顶部材料制备得到的电池转换效率降低外,还是决定氧沉淀作用的重要因素.由于碳含量多造成中部材料氧沉淀的尺寸大、数量多,引起缺陷,增加复合,而碳在底部 关键词： 氧 碳 太阳电池 转换效率     

The effect of anti-reflection coating of porous silicon on solar cells efficiency

Anti-reflection coatings of solar cells have been fabricated using different techniques. The techniques used include SiO₂ thermal oxidation, ZnO/TiO₂ sputtering deposition and porous silicon prepared by electrochemical etching. Surface morphology and structural properties of solar cells were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy and atomic forces microscopy. Optical reflectance was obtained by using optical reflectometer. I-V characterizations were studied under 80 mW/cm² illumination conditions. Porous silicon was found to be an excellent anti-reflection coating against incident light when it is compared with another anti-reflection coating and exhibited good light-trapping of a wide wavelength spectrum which produced high efficiency solar cells.     

Direct laser printing for high efficiency silicon solar cells fabrication

Silicon solar cells still require cost reduction and improved efficiency to become more competitive. New architectures can provide a significant increase in efficiency, but today most of the approaches need additional fabrication steps. In this context, laser processing offers a unique way to replace technological steps like photolithography that is not compatible with the requirements of the photovoltaic industry. In particular laser induced thermal effects can be used to activate or re-organise dopants at the silicon surface to design new emitter geometries. In this paper dopant diffusion using a nanosecond UV laser on phosphorous-doped silicon emitters is studied. The presence of a phosphosilicate glass underneath a silicon nitride layer leads to a local decrease of the emitter sheet resistance from 100 Ω/sq to 20 Ω/sq. Laser induced damage, phosphorus diffusion profile and electrical shunt are assessed in the perspective of selective emitter silicon solar cells fabrication compatible with electrochemical metal contacts deposition.