Boost Organic‐Silicon Hybrid Solar Cell Performances with a Facile and Cost‐Effective Sub‐3 nm Interface Control Method

Abstract

A facile and cost‐effective approach based on oxygen‐plasma treatment is developed for silicon‐organic hybrid solar cells. By precisely forming a sub‐3 nm SiOx layer at the silicon‐poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) interface with a 10 s oxygen‐plasma treatment, the power conversion efficiency is boosted from 0.02% to 8.18%, 409‐fold increase compared to solar cells with untreated silicon. Utilizing X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy, and density‐functional theory, the device physics and mechanisms are revealed from an atomic‐level perspective. The control of interface by oxygen‐plasma treatment reduces the surface work function of Si and introduces an electron barrier, facilitating the transfer of hole carriers from Si to organic materials while effectively blocking electron transmission. This mechanism proves to be highly beneficial in mitigating carrier recombination and promoting the separation of electrons and holes. This approach can be applied to interface optimization for high‐performance photovoltaic and other optoelectronic devices.

In Situ Bipolar Doping via Mechanically Controlled Dipole Under Water

“…When Si─OH and Si─O bonds are formed on the Si surface, they replace the Si─H bonds, resulting in a decrease in the work function. [45] Moreover, the charge-sufficient SiO x layer can provide a large amount of formation position for the OH groups, promoting the MFN doping effect. However, since the thickness of SiO x is only 1 nm at maximized MFN-doping conditions, the characteristic of the doped poly-Si is more dominant in the KPFM result.…”

Nanoscale light focusing for carrier management in solar cells using collidal nanostructures

“…Very recently, we further discussed the mechanism of enhancing efficiency by reducing carrier recombination through nanoscale concentration from an electrical simulation perspective [11]. By incorporating optical nanostructures, it is possible to reduce recombination rather than relying solely on the commonly used passivation layers [12]. We believe that this discovery can inject new vitality into the fields of nanophotonics and photovoltaic devices.…”