Numerical Investigation of Graphene as a Back Surface Field Layer on the Performance of Cadmium Telluride Solar Cell

Abstract

This paper numerically explores the possibility of ultrathin layering and high efficiency of graphene as a back surface field (BSF) based on a CdTe solar cell by Personal computer one-dimensional (PC1D) simulation. CdTe solar cells have been characterized and studied by varying the carrier lifetime, doping concentration, thickness, and bandgap of the graphene layer. With simulation results, the highest short-circuit current (Isc = 2.09 A), power conversion efficiency (h = 15%), and quantum efficiency (QE ~ 85%) were achieved at a carrier lifetime of 1 × 103 ms and a doping concentration of 1 × 1017 cm−3 of graphene as a BSF layer-based CdTe solar cell. The thickness of the graphene BSF layer (1 mm) was proven the ultrathin, optimal, and obtainable for the fabrication of high-performance CdTe solar cells, confirming the suitability of graphene material as a BSF. This simulation confirmed that a CdTe solar cell with the proposed graphene as the BSF layer might be highly efficient with optimized parameters for fabrication.

Design and Optimization of Potentially Low-Cost and Efficient MXene/InP Schottky Barrier Solar Cells via Numerical Modeling

“…Using the finite element method, PC1D solves this nonlinear partial differential equation system in one dimension with the appropriate boundary conditions derived from the device's realistic operational conditions. This approach has proven robust and accurate for various devices [27,[35][36][37][38], including InPbased solar cells [39][40][41]. The simulations presented here are based on Boltzmann charge carrier statistics, recommended when implementing the default bandgap narrowing model in the simulations:…”

Quantum Semiconductors Based on Carbon Materials for Nanophotonics and Photonics Applications by Electron Shuttle and Near Field Phenomena

“…This phenomenon is related to the diminution of electron recombination and energy loss from the back layer of the substrate. In this manner, a numerical investigation of Graphene as a back surface field layer was reported on the performance of Cadmium Telluride solar cell (Figure 7) [103]. The results showed very high commissions with the highest short-circuit current (ISC) of 2.09 A), power conversion efficiency of 15%, and quantum efficiency (QE) of 85% with a carrier Lifetime of 1 × 10 3 µs.…”

Influence of Efficient Thickness of Antireflection Coating Layer of HfO2 for Crystalline Silicon Solar Cell

“…The University of New South Wales (UNSW) team developed the PC1D simulation software, which can be used to investigate the optoelectrical properties of solar cells [29]. The PC1D computer application is a popular numerical modeling program for c-Si solar cell simulation.…”