Zn₃P₂/ITO Heterojunction Solar Cells

Abstract

Heterojunction solar cells of Zn3P2/ITO have been fabricated by rf sputter depositing ITO films onto Zn3P2 multiple crystal, and their electrical and photovoltaic properties are studied. Multiple crystal boules of Zn3P2, 12–16 mm in diameter and 3 cm long with grain size of 1–5 mm in diameter, and resistivity ρ of 40–105 Ω-cm have been formed by vapor phase transport. The ρ of as-grown Zn3P2 has been reduced significantly by Ag doping above 400°C. A V oc of 0.24–0.32 V and a J sc of 13–26 mA/cm2 are measured and the power conversion efficiency of 1.1% is obtained without AR coating at simulated AM 1. The J-V characteristics suggest tunneling as the dominant conduction mechanism. A spectral response of J sc shows a good band-pass behavior between 360 nm and 830 nm.

Performance Enhancement of a Graphene-Zinc Phosphide Solar Cell Using the Electric Field-Effect

“…These results demonstrate that the tuning of the graphene–semiconductor junction allows boosting the performance of the solar cell by improving parameters like V oc . The 1.9% efficiency achieved in this work is comparable with thin-film Zn 3 P 2 devices based on p–n junction solar cells. − Even though our efficiency falls short from the highest reported Zn 3 P 2 cell efficiency of 5.96% (Mg–Zn 3 P 2 Schottky cell), , the performance of our graphene–Zn 3 P 2 has significant room for improvement. Using a thicker Zn 3 P 2 layer to improve light absorption, as well as a transparent conductive oxide as a top gate would increase the power efficiency of the device.…”

Multiple morphologies and functionality of nanowires made from earth-abundant zinc phosphide

“…30 In principle, the precise flux control in MBE should also enable the controlled incorporation of extrinsic dopants such as Ag, Mg and In. 13,14,[33][34][35] Previously, in addition to thin films and bulk crystals, Zn 3 P 2 has been obtained in the form of randomly oriented nanowires, nanoribbons, and nanotrumpets. [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43] In most of these studies, nanowires were produced through chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or by a thermochemical method relying on a quartz capsule containing the precursors being heated in a furnace.…”

Towards defect-free thin films of the earth-abundant absorber zinc phosphide by nanopatterning

“…MBE also provides a path for precise incorporation of extrinsic dopants, such as magnesium or silver. [19][20][21][22] Several substrates have been employed for the epitaxial growth of zinc phosphide thin lms. 12,14,17,23 For example, we previously showed that single-crystal zinc phosphide akes can nucleate and grow defect-free on graphene as the interactions are restricted to van der Waals.…”