Recent Progress in Transparent Conductive Materials for Photovoltaics (original) (raw)
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Advanced Graphene-Based Transparent Conductive Electrodes for Photovoltaic Applications
Micromachines
New architectures of transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) incorporating graphene monolayers in different configurations have been explored with the aim to improve the performance of silicon-heterojunction (SHJ) cell front transparent contacts. In SHJ technology, front electrodes play an important additional role as anti-reflectance (AR) coatings. In this work, different transparent-conductive-oxide (TCO) thin films have been combined with graphene monolayers in different configurations, yielding advanced transparent electrodes specifically designed to minimize surface reflection over a wide range of wavelengths and angles of incidence and to improve electrical performance. A preliminary analysis reveals a strong dependence of the optoelectronic properties of the TCEs on (i) the order in which the different thin films are deposited or the graphene is transferred and (ii) the specific TCO material used. The results shows a clear electrical improvement when three graphene monolayer...
Graphene-Based Transparent Electrodes for Hybrid Solar Cells
Frontiers in Materials, 2014
The graphene-based transparent and conductive films were demonstrated to be costeffective electrodes working in organic-inorganic hybrid Schottky solar cells. Large area graphene films were produced by chemical vapor deposition on copper foils and transferred onto glass as transparent electrodes. The hybrid solar cell devices consist of solutionprocessed poly (3,4-ethlene-dioxythiophene): poly (styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS), which is sandwiched between silicon wafer and graphene electrode. The solar cells based on graphene electrodes, especially those doped with HNO 3 , have comparable performance to the reference devices using commercial indium tin oxide (ITO). Our work suggests that graphene-based transparent electrode is a promising candidate to replace ITO.
Graphene Materials - Advanced Applications, 2017
The isolation of free-standing graphene in 2004 was the spark for a new scientific revolution in the field of optoelectronics. Due to its extraordinary optoelectronic and mechanical properties, graphene is the next wonder material that could act as an ideal low-cost alternative material for the effective replacement of the expensive conventional materials used in organic optoelectronic applications. Indeed, the enhanced electrical conductivity of graphene combined with its high transparency in visible and near-infrared spectra, enabled graphene to be an ideal low-cost indium tin oxide (ITO) alternative in organic solar cells (OSCs). The prospects and future research trend in graphenebased TCE are also discussed. On the other hand, solution-processed graphene combines the unique optoelectrical properties of graphene with large area deposition and flexible substrates making it compatible with printing and coating technologies, such as roll-to-roll, inkjet, gravure, and flexographic printing manufacturing methods. This chapter provides an overview of the most recent research progress in the application of solution-processed graphene-based films as transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) in OSCs. (a) Chemically converted graphene (CCG), (b) thermally and photochemically reduced graphene oxide, (c) composite reduced graphene oxide-carbon nanotubes, and (d) reduced graphene oxide mesh films have demonstrated their applicability in OSCs as transparent, conductive electrodes.
Carbon nanotube transparent conductive layers for solar cells applications
Optica Applicata, 2011
The paper presents the investigation into a possible new photovoltaic (PV) application of carbon nanotube-based elastic layers, manufactured by a screen-printing technique. The optical and mechanical properties of these layers are investigated and compared with ITO, standard transparent conductive oxide utilized in photovoltaic devices. Simulations of new TCO layer functioning in various solar constructions are performed. Finally, first results of a test silicon cell, contacted by proposed material, are reported.
Transparent Conducting Oxides for Photovoltaics : A fundamental investigation of their properties
The utilization of photovoltaic has been an increasing interest in which many countries are attempting to supply their energy demands from the sun to reduce the cost of energy production and environmental concerns and also have secure, sustainable and affordable energy balance. Transparent conducting oxides (TCOS) are one of the most powerful materials that simultaneously present optical transmission and electrical conductivity in photovoltaic (PV) devices. Thanks to these properties, TCOs are employed in wide range of applications as an important component such as electrode elements, structural templates, and diffusion barriers. The remarkable application, including multi-functional windows, solar cells and thin-film technologies have required the need of TCO materials for possessing new performance and increasing efficiency, depending on technological conditions and oxide films’ resistivity. This paper reviews the fundamentals of TCOs and comparison of their properties.
Transparent electrode requirements for thin film solar cell modules
Energy Environ. Sci., 2011
High power conversion efficiency and the use of abundant materials are critical to the adoption of photovoltaic power at scale. The transparent conductor (TC) layer is a necessary component of all thin film solar cells and it has a significant impact on efficiency, resulting in a 10-25% power loss even for the best TCs. In the last several years there has been renewed interest in this area with the development of several new transparent and conductive oxides and nanostructured materials, many with the potential for both cost and performance advantages. For the development or adoption of any new TC material, it is useful to know the impact on efficiency and the necessary TC performance requirements. Here, we compare the two different ways of manufacturing thin film solar cells and quantify the transparent electrode related losses for a TC material of any performance and we specify the material figure of merit necessary for a TC material to be a compelling candidate for photovoltaic applications.