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Temperature and Humidity Stable Alkali/Alkaline‐Earth Metal Carbonates as Electron Heterocontacts for Silicon Photovoltaics
Author(s) -
Wan Yimao,
Bullock James,
Hettick Mark,
Xu Zhaoran,
Samundsett Chris,
Yan Di,
Peng Jun,
Ye Jichun,
Javey Ali,
Cuevas Andres
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201800743
Subject(s) - materials science , caesium , alkali metal , barium , alkaline earth metal , strontium , silicon , photovoltaics , semiconductor , rubidium , chemical engineering , inorganic chemistry , potassium , metal , optoelectronics , metallurgy , photovoltaic system , ecology , chemistry , physics , quantum mechanics , nuclear physics , biology , engineering
Nanometer scale interfacial layers between the metal cathode and the n‐type semiconductor play a critical role in enhancing the transport of charge carriers in and out of optoelectronic devices. Here, a range of nanoscale alkali and alkaline earth metal carbonates (i.e., potassium, rubidium, caesium, calcium, strontium, and barium) are shown to function effectively as electron heterocontacts to lightly doped n‐type crystalline silicon (c‐Si), which is particularly challenging to contact with common metals. These carbonate interlayers are shown to enhance the performance of n‐type c‐Si proof‐of‐concept solar cells up to a power conversion efficiency of ≈19%. Furthermore, these devices are thermally stable up to 350 °C and both the caesium and barium carbonates pass a standard 1000 h damp heat test, with >95% of their initial performance maintained. The temperature and humidity stable electron heterocontacts based on alkali and alkaline earth metal carbonates show a high potential for industrial feasibility and longevity for deployment in the field.