Simple Self-Assembly Strategy of Nanospheres on 3D Substrate and Its Application for Enhanced Textured Silicon Solar Cell

Abstract

Nanomaterials and nanostructures provide new opportunities to achieve high-performance optical and optoelectronic devices. Three-dimensional (3D) surfaces commonly exist in those devices (such as light-trapping structures or intrinsic grains), and here, we propose requests for nanoscale control over nanostructures on 3D substrates. In this paper, a simple self-assembly strategy of nanospheres for 3D substrates is demonstrated, featuring controllable density (from sparse to close-packed) and controllable layer (from a monolayer to multi-layers). Taking the assembly of wavelength-scale SiO2 nanospheres as an example, it has been found that textured 3D substrate promotes close-packed SiO2 spheres compared to the planar substrate. Distribution density and layers of SiO2 coating can be well controlled by tuning the assembly time and repeating the assembly process. With such a versatile strategy, the enhancement effects of SiO2 coating on textured silicon solar cells were systematically examined by varying assembly conditions. It was found that the close-packed SiO2 monolayer yielded a maximum relative efficiency enhancement of 9.35%. Combining simulation and macro/micro optical measurements, we attributed the enhancement to the nanosphere-induced concentration and anti-reflection of incident light. The proposed self-assembly strategy provides a facile and cost-effective approach for engineering nanomaterials at 3D interfaces.

Nanoscale light focusing for carrier management in solar cells using collidal nanostructures

“…In 2021, our group investigated the assembly of SiO2 nanospheres on surface-textured silicon solar cells and found that densely packed monolayers could simultaneously enhance device photocurrent and fill factor. We also attributed the enhancement to the combined effects of light focusing and reflection reduction effects [10]. The aforementioned studies provided preliminary evidence that nanoscale concentration may affect device performance.…”

“…Afterward, we immersed the solar cell into silica colloids to perform assembly and washed the unabsorbed nanospheres. There might be two mechanisms: one is the COOH bond reacting with the OH bond on the nanosphere, and the second is electrostatic interaction [10]. The assembly can be carried out in multiple rounds.…”

Boost Organic‐Silicon Hybrid Solar Cell Performances with a Facile and Cost‐Effective Sub‐3 nm Interface Control Method

“…Previous reports have suggested that the performance of organic‐silicon hybrid solar cells can be influenced by optical reflectivity characteristics. [ 29 ] However, our results indicate that the interface control achieved through oxygen‐plasma treatment has minimal effect on the optical characteristics of the hybrid solar cells. The contact angles of PEDOT:PSS on Si surface with different powers of oxygen‐plasma treatment seem to be similar as depicted in Figure S1, Supporting Information, that was because Triton X 100 can significantly improve the wettability of PEDOT:PSS solution on Si, [ 25 ] which was mixed into our organic solution.…”

Synthesis strategies of smart 3D nanoarchitectures and their applications in energy storage and conversion

“…A safety issue can also arise from an excessive redox reaction between lithium metal and water or air 155 . Further research is still needed on the quantitative mechanism analysis, which also has to look at the morphology of the 3D substrate, the combined influence of gravity, the attraction and repulsive forces between the particles, and the substrate's interactions with the particles 177 …”

“…155 Further research is still needed on the quantitative mechanism analysis, which also has to look at the morphology of the 3D substrate, the combined influence of gravity, the attraction and repulsive forces between the particles, and the substrate's interactions with the particles. 177 According to us, the following topics can be the focus of future research on energy storage and conversion devices:…”