High-performance piezo-phototronic solar cell based on two-dimensional materials

Abstract

Pieoztronic and piezo-phototronic are two emerging fields of flexible electronics and nanoelectronics using by piezoelectric semiconductor materials, such as ZnO, GaN, InN and CdS. Recent experiments shown piezoelectric and semiconductor properties of monolayer MoS 2, which have been applied as nanogenertor and piezotronic transistor. Two-dimensional piezoelectric semiconductor can be utilized for high-performance photovoltaic devices. In this paper, a two-dimensional material piezo-phototronic solar cell is studied theoretically based on a monolayer MoS 2 metal-semiconductor contact. The current-voltage characteristics, open circuit voltage, maximum output power, fill factor and power conversion efficiency have been studied for the piezo-phototronic solar cell. The modulation level of piezo-phototronic effect is presented to evaluate the performance under applied strain. The piezo-phototronic effect can increase the open circuit voltage 5.8% at strain of 1%. This principle can be a new way to develop high-performance two-dimensional solar cells.

Recent Progress in Piezo‐Phototronic Effect Enhanced Solar Cells

“…Recently, 2D MoS 2 with single‐atomic‐layer has also manifested a piezoelectric property, which reveals potential applications of 2D materials in powering nanodevices, wearable devices, and tactile sensors. Thanks to the excellent photoelectric, piezoelectric, and mechanical performances, it can be used for energy conversion and piezotronics, and even for high‐performance piezo‐phototronic solar cells …”

“…All the above discussions are assumed that the J sc has no connection with the external strain . Weakening light reflection and enhancing light absorption are needed to promote J sc .…”

“…Recently, a solar cell based on monolayer MoS 2 was studied theoretically, with a Schottky contact on the left side ( Figure a) . The piezocharges and piezopotential were applied to elevate or reduce the height of the Schottky barrier, as shown in Figure a,b.…”

“…f) Open circuit voltage and maximum output power changing with the applied strains. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2017, Elsevier Ltd.…”

Quantum Dots for Hybrid Energy Harvesting: From Integration to Piezo‐Phototronics

“…This mechanism also holds for a case of an n‐type non‐piezoelectric material and a p‐type piezoelectric material as shown in Figure (c) and (d). More details about theoretical studies of piezo‐phototronic effect on a solar cell can be found in numerous references …”