Improving the performance of textured silicon solar cells through the field‐effect passivation of aluminum oxide layers and up‐conversion via multiple coatings with Er/Yb‐doped phosphors

Abstract

This paper examines the influence of field-effect passivation (from a coating of aluminum oxide) in conjunction with up-conversion (from multiple coatings containing Er/Yb-doped phosphors) on the performance of silicon solar cells. Note that the phosphors were applied to the rear surface of the cells. The surface morphology of the coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and the chemical composition of Er/Yb-doped phosphors coating was examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The fluorescence emissions of the coatings were examined using photoluminescence and optical image measurements. We examined the influence of field-effect passivation on dark current-voltage as well as photo-current density and external quantum efficiency (EQE). Improvements in photovoltaic performance after applying coatings containing Er/Yb-doped phosphors were estimated in terms of EQE and conversion efficiency. The field-effect passivation of Al 2 O 3 and upconversion provided by Er/Yb-doped phosphors resulted in EQE enhancements over a wavelength range of 600 to 1050 nm. Field-effect passivation was shown to enhance the conversion efficiency by 1.77% (from 16.91% to 17.21%), up-conversion enhanced conversion efficiency by 2.9% (from 17.21% to 17.71%), and a combination of field-effect passivation and up-conversion enhanced conversion efficiency by 4.73% (from 16.91% to 17.71%).

Upconversion as a spear carrier for tuning photovoltaic efficiency

“…The solar cell with 3 layers of SiO 2 mixed with UNCP along with Al 2 O 3 and silver coating yielded an efficiency enhancement of 3.84%. 98 On the other hand, Wild et al studied the effect of NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ 18% /Er 3+ 2% on the performance of amorphous silicon solar cells in combination with white paint back-reflectors. The UCNPs were dissolved in a solution of PMMA that was spin-coated on the backside of the standard p–i–n amorphous Si solar cell, which enhanced the short-circuit current density of 5 μA cm −2 using a 4 mW laser light.…”

Novel low-carbon energy solutions for powering emerging wearables, smart textiles, and medical devices

“…In typical designs, phosphorus and alumina are used as electron and hole dopants, with light invasion from the n + electron carrier front. 83,84 Low dimensional structures have excellent trap polarization, particularly for quantum dot structures; as a result, a thorough analysis of passivation processes, as well as associated effects on carrier kinetics, can aid in the pragmatic design of low dimensional structures for a variety of purposes (Fig. 4b and c).…”

“…In typical designs, phosphorus and alumina are used as electron and hole dopants, with light invasion from the n + electron carrier front. 83,84…”

Micro/Nanostructures for Light Trapping in Monocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

“…Because these passivation layers are insulators, thick layers can significantly increase the series resistance of solar cells. A compromise needs to be considered for field-effect passivation [242][243][244].…”