Issue 27, 2016

Self-generation of a quasi p–n junction for high efficiency chemical-doping-free graphene/silicon solar cells using a transition metal oxide interlayer

Abstract

Graphene/silicon (Gr/Si) solar cells have attracted extensive research interest for their potentials in low-cost photovoltaic applications. However, the performance of Gr/Si solar cells is still limited by the working principles of Schottky junctions. This work developed a new type of Gr/Si solar cell with a self-generated quasi p–n junction. In such devices, a strong upward band bending is caused by considerable charge transfer from Si, resulting in a p-type layer being formed at the near-surface of the n-type Si substrate. They have similar rectification characteristics to conventional p–n junctions, and are even superior due to the absence of the “dead layer”. Here, a thermal evaporation deposited tungsten tri-oxide (WO3) interlayer was inserted between the Gr and Si to form the quasi p–n junction Gr/Si solar cells, achieving a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.59% for Gr/Si solar cells without chemical doping. The concept of a self-generated quasi p–n junction offers a possibility to overcome the limitations affecting the development of Gr/Si solar cells, and shows a promising future for diverse transition metal oxides for the fabrication of low-cost, high-efficiency and stable photovoltaic devices in the future.

Graphical abstract: Self-generation of a quasi p–n junction for high efficiency chemical-doping-free graphene/silicon solar cells using a transition metal oxide interlayer

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
07 Apr 2016
Accepted
06 Jun 2016
First published
13 Jun 2016

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016,4, 10558-10565

Self-generation of a quasi p–n junction for high efficiency chemical-doping-free graphene/silicon solar cells using a transition metal oxide interlayer

D. Xu, X. Yu, D. Gao, C. Li, M. Zhong, H. Zhu, S. Yuan, Z. Lin and D. Yang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2016, 4, 10558 DOI: 10.1039/C6TA02868C

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