On the impact of the metal work function on the recombination in passivating contacts using quasi-steady-state photoluminescence

Anh Huy Tuan Le, Johannes P. Seif, Thomas G. Allen, Robert Dumbrell, Christian Samundsett, Andres Cuevas, Ziv Hameiri

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Understanding the impact of metal contacts on the recombination within a passivated silicon wafer is crucial for the optimization of various photovoltaic devices such as passivating-contact-based solar cells. To investigate the effect of the metal work function, a selection of metals is applied to aluminum-oxide-passivated n-type crystalline silicon wafers. The saturation current density of the metalized contact (J0m) is determined using the quasi-steady-state photoluminescence method and used as a figure of merit to quantify the effect. We find that J0m increases with the metal work function and that this effect is modulated with the passivation layer thickness. It is more pronounced for thinner passivation layers, which can be attributed to a significant change in the populations of electrons and holes near the silicon surface induced by the metal. Meanwhile thicker layers prevent the charge transfer between the silicon and metal more efficiently leading to insignificant changes in J0m. Based on these findings, we suggest a suitable metal work function range to optimize contact recombination in silicon-based solar cells.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2019 IEEE 46th Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
    PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
    Pages2691-2695
    Number of pages5
    ISBN (Electronic)9781728104942
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jun 2019
    Event46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019 - Chicago, United States
    Duration: 16 Jun 201921 Jun 2019

    Publication series

    NameConference Record of the IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference
    ISSN (Print)0160-8371

    Conference

    Conference46th IEEE Photovoltaic Specialists Conference, PVSC 2019
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityChicago
    Period16/06/1921/06/19

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