Geometrical optimisation of core-shell nanowire arrays for enhanced absorption in thin crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells

Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology
Robin VismaraMiro Zeman

Abstract

Background: Elongated nanostructures, such as nanowires, have attracted significant attention for application in silicon-based solar cells. The high aspect ratio and characteristic radial junction configuration can lead to higher device performance, by increasing light absorption and, at the same time, improving the collection efficiency of photo-generated charge carriers. This work investigates the performance of ultra-thin solar cells characterised by nanowire arrays on a crystalline silicon bulk. Results: Proof-of-concept devices on a p-type mono-crystalline silicon wafer were manufactured and compared to flat references, showing improved absorption of light, while the final 11.8% (best-device) efficiency was hindered by sub-optimal passivation of the nanowire array. A modelling analysis of the optical performance of the proposed solar cell architecture was also carried out. Results showed that nanowires act as resonators, amplifying interference resonances and exciting additional wave-guided modes. The optimisation of the array geometrical dimensions highlighted a strong dependence of absorption on the nanowire cross section, a weaker effect of the nanowire height and good resilience for angles of incidence of light up to 6...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 6, 2019·Optics Express·Nasim RezaeiMiro Zeman
Apr 18, 2019·Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·Harry Mönig, Martina Schmid

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
light trapping

Software Mentioned

FLAT
High Frequency Structure Simulator ( HFSS

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