Comparison of AZO, GZO, and AGZO Thin Films TCOs Applied for a-Si Solar Cells

Abstract

This study prepared aluminum and gallium co-doped zinc oxide (AGZO) thin films using pulsed direct current magnetron sputtering, and studied the electrical properties, transmittance, effects of texturing, and applicability as the front contact for a-Si:H solar cells. Textured ZnO:Al (AZO) and ZnO:Ga (GZO) thin films were also compared with AGZO thin film to evaluate their performance as front contacts. Experimental results show that AGZO films with the highest figure of merit φ TC value (24.64 × 10 −3 −1) were obtained at Al and Ga doping concentrations of 0.54 wt% and 1.165 wt%, respectively. The textured AGZO films used as the front contact in a-Si:H solar cells achieved the following results: V OC = 0.77 V, J SC = 16.5 mA/cm 2 , FF = 59%, and conversion efficiency of 7.53%. AZO and GZO films have better electrical properties than AGZO film; however, AGZO film has superior transmittance in the near-infrared (NIR) region and higher J SC , conversion efficiency and external quantum efficiency (EQE) than AZO and GZO films under a similar haze value.

Using SiOx nano-films to enhance GZO Thin films properties as front electrodes of a-Si solar cells

“…The current-voltage parameters for the a-Si solar cells with nontextured GZO and textured GZO/SiO x (90 sccm) front contacts are shown in Table 2. The conductivity of the bilayer GZO/SiO x thin film was superior to that of non-textured GZO thin film, and this resulted in a larger V oc [24] because of a decrease in recombination at the front contact/p-type a-Si:H layer interface. The J sc of the solar cell using the bilayer GZO/SiO x front electrode was higher than that of solar cell using a non-textured GZO front electrode, implying that the bilayer GZO/SiO x thin film has superior photon collection efficiency to non-textured GZO thin film.…”

Wide-spectrum Mg and Ga co-doped ZnO–TCO thin films with introduced hydrogen grown by magnetron sputtering at room temperature

“…Typically, ZnO, In 2 O 3 , and SnO 2 films are used as the front electrodes and/or back reflectors in Si-based thin film solar cells. Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films have been widely investigated in attempts to improve electrical conductivity and optical transmittances in the visible region [4][5][6]. High efficiency pin-type Si-based thin-film solar cells require highly conductive electrodes with high transmittances in the ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) region ( ∼ 320-1100 nm).…”

Flexible Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Fabrication on Plastic, Transparent and Conductive Polydimethylsiloxane Substrate as Front Electrode and Stainless Steel as Counter Electrode

“…The deposition parameters for ITO and AZO coating on glass are published elsewhere from our previous study. 16,17 The third generation DSSC has shown more research and applications from all over the world. DSSC is fabricated with nano structured porous TiO 2 , and sensitized through dye in order to capture visible-light spectra.…”