Enhanced photovoltaic performance of nanowire array solar cells with multiple diameters

Abstract

A multi-diameter p-i-n junction GaAs nanowire (NW) array architecture is proposed for high-performance solar cells. Coupled three-dimensional optoelectronic simulations are performed to investigate the photovoltaic properties. The NW diameters are randomly selected within the range of 220-400 nm, following the Gaussian distribution. The results show that the absorption strongly depends on the diameter, and the multi-diameter NW array exhibits higher optical absorption, in comparison with the uniform-diameter counterpart. This is because of the superposition of multiple absorption peaks. Moreover, the multi-diameter NW array can efficiently enhance the effective absorption; that is, the depletion region absorption, which directly leads to increased photocurrent. A remarkable efficiency of 17% is obtained for a 16-diameter NW array solar cell with a full width at half maximum of the diameter distribution of 75 nm, higher than the best value (16.1%) of uniform-diameter device with an optimum diameter of 310 nm. This work demonstrates that the native diameter nonuniformity of self-organized nanowires is beneficial for highperformance photovoltaics with low cost and a simple fabrication process.

Optical Simulation and Analysis of GaAs Nanocone, Inverted Nanocone, and Hourglass Shaped Nanoarray Solar Cells

“…Therefore, it can be said that constant diameter nanowires with symmetric cylindrical geometries are not the optimal choice to obtain the maximum efficiency configuration. Hence, studies have been done on arrays with multiple diameters [29][30][31][32][33] and periodic diameter modulation [34,35]. One more design morphology that has emerged is diameter variation along the height of the nanowire which has let to the research in many new tapered nanowire designs.…”

A new eigenvalue problem solver for thermo‐mechanical vibration of Timoshenko nanobeams by an innovative nonlocal finite element method

“…Moreover, many studies have been performed on the mechanical characteristics of composite structures reinforced by carbon nanotubes 8–14 . On the other hand, nanowire/rod structures of some chemical molecules are employed in field effect transistor, solar cell, and gas sensor systems 15–17 . It can be stated that small‐scaled structures perform a task in living physiology as well as such applications.…”

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13][14] On the other hand, nanowire/rod structures of some chemical molecules are employed in field effect transistor, solar cell, and gas sensor systems. [15][16][17] It can be stated that small-scaled structures perform a task in living physiology as well as such applications. According to this, the microtubule structure is highly effective in occurring cell division 18 and transport of organelles and vesicles.…”

Performance Enhancement of Ultra-Thin Nanowire Array Solar Cells by Bottom Reflectivity Engineering

“…Thus far, many efforts have been made to improve the optical absorption of the NWA, which plays a key role in the photovoltaic performance of NW solar cells. One way to improve the optical absorption is to tailor the structural parameters, including the diameter, diameter/period (D/P) ratio, geometry, and orientation of the NWA [19][20][21][22][23]. Another way is to introduce other nanostructures, such as semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) or metal nanoparticles, to extend the absorption spectrum or to enhance the absorption efficiency [24,25].…”