How band tail recombination influences the open‐circuit voltage of solar cells

Abstract

The power conversion efficiency of solar cells strongly depends on the open-circuit voltage V OC which, in turn, depends on the recombination activity within the device.A possible source of detrimental charge carrier recombination is band tails. An empirical linear relationship between V OC loss and the Urbach energy of the band tails has

Energy Distribution in Tin Halide Perovskite

“…The presence of a distribution of bandgaps within the photoactive layer of a solar cell might be problematic since the energetic disorder is generally linked to energy losses and recombination. [30,31] Therefore, a deep understanding of the phenomenon is required to advance tin halide perovskites and bridge the gap with lead counterparts. Here, we provide further insights into the link between the PL distribution and crystallinity.…”

Physical and chemical aspects at the interface and in the bulk of CuInSe2-based thin-film photovoltaics

“…105 This is because the distribution of electrons depends on the Boltzmann statistics, and lower energy levels contribute to the recombination. 106 Next, the recombination analysis was conducted using the radiative recombination constant B. The maximum theoretical efficiency of a solar cell is typically expressed in terms of the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit, where all incident photons with energy above the band gap (E g ) of the absorber material are assumed to be converted to photocarriers without being linked to optical absorption loss.…”

Large‐Area (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 Thin‐Film Solar Cells with Increased Bandgap and Reduced Voltage Losses Realized with Bulk Defect Reduction and Front‐Grading of the Absorber Bandgap

“…It is remarkable that for a penternary ACIGS absorber manufactured using largearea and rapid industrial fabrication, losses due to semiconductor electronic disorder (bandgap and electrostatic potential fluctuations) are as controlled as for the best small-area solar cells. [54] SRH recombination leads to 175 mV voltage loss, which constitutes the difference between V OC,rad ¼ 952 mV and device V OC ¼ 777 mV. From defect and device characterization, we demonstrate two strategies that lead to reduced SRH recombination.…”

“…It is remarkable that for a penternary ACIGS absorber manufactured using large‐area and rapid industrial fabrication, losses due to semiconductor electronic disorder (bandgap and electrostatic potential fluctuations) are as controlled as for the best small‐area solar cells. [ 54 ]…”