The effect of chemical surface treatments on non-native (Bi2O3) GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor solar cells

Abstract

GaAs metal-insulator-semiconductor solar cells with a physically deposited Bi2O3 interfacial layer have been investigated. The deposition techniques used in the study were electron beam and boat thermal evaporation. The cells fabricated with interfacial layers of Bi2O3 showed a substantial improvement in open-circuit voltage over cells made without the physically deposited oxide layer. An etch has been used which yields an irregular ’’textured’’ surface. Cells employing this surface had a higher short-circuit current than those made with smooth, polished surfaces. The open-circuit voltages of these textured cells were lower than those with smooth surfaces. Calculations of the dependence of open-circuit voltage on pinhole density are in agreement with these results since a rough surface has a greater probability of pinholes.

δ-Bi2O3 thin films prepared by reactive sputtering: Fabrication and characterization

“…These properties make bismuth oxide an interesting candidate for applications in the fields such as optoelectronics, optical coatings, gas sensors, Schottky barrier solar cells, metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitors, microwave integrated circuits, etc. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Microstructure characterization of δ-Bi2O3 thin film under atmospheric pressure by means of halide CVD on c-sapphire

“…Therefore, Bi 2 O 3 has been used for optical coatings, Schottky barrier solar cell and metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitors [2][3][4]. There have been many reports regarding the preparation, structural characteristics and optical properties.…”

The Structure and Photoluminescence Properties of Bi2O3-Core/SnO2-Shell Nanowires

“…5 These peculiar features make the bismuth oxides applicable to sensors, optical coatings, photovoltaic cells, microwave integrated circuits, transparent ceramic glass manufacturing, cathode ray tubes. [6][7][8][9] They are also used as the soft oxidation of hydrocarbons and good electrolyte materials for applications such as solid oxide fuel cells and oxygen sensors. 10 11 The one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of bismuth oxide have been prepared by using various techniques such as hydrothermal synthesis, 12 microemulsion, 13 metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, 14 atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition, 15 the chemical method, 16 the oxidative metal vapor transport deposition, 17 18 the template-based heat treatment, 19 thermal oxidation.…”