Potential of PEDOT:PSS as a hole selective front contact for silicon heterojunction solar cells

Jaeckle S, Liebhaber M, Gersmann C, Mews M, Jaeger K, Christiansen S, Lips K (2017)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2017

Journal

Scientific Reports Nature Publishing Group: Open Access Journals - Option B

Book Volume: 7

Article Number: 2170

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01946-3

Abstract

We show that the highly conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) can successfully be applied as a hole selective front contact in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells. In combination with a superior electron selective heterojunction back contact based on amorphous silicon (a-Si), mono-crystalline n-type silicon (c-Si) solar cells reach power conversion efficiencies up to 14.8% and high open-circuit voltages exceeding 660 mV. Since in the PEDOT:PSS/c-Si/a-Si solar cell the inferior hybrid junction is determining the electrical device performance we are capable of assessing the recombination velocity (v I ) at the PEDOT:PSS/c-Si interface. An estimated v I of ~400 cm/s demonstrates, that while PEDOT:PSS shows an excellent selectivity on n-type c-Si, the passivation quality provided by the formation of a native oxide at the c-Si surface restricts the performance of the hybrid junction. Furthermore, by comparing the measured external quantum efficiency with optical simulations, we quantify the losses due to parasitic absorption of PEDOT:PSS and reflection of the device layer stack. By pointing out ways to better passivate the hybrid interface and to increase the photocurrent we discuss the full potential of PEDOT:PSS as a front contact in SHJ solar cells.

Involved external institutions

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB)

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Jaeckle, S., Liebhaber, M., Gersmann, C., Mews, M., Jaeger, K., Christiansen, S., & Lips, K. (2017). Potential of PEDOT:PSS as a hole selective front contact for silicon heterojunction solar cells. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-01946-3

MLA:

Jaeckle, Sara, et al. "Potential of PEDOT:PSS as a hole selective front contact for silicon heterojunction solar cells." Scientific Reports 7.1 (2017).

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