Using SiOx nano-films to enhance GZO Thin films properties as front electrodes of a-Si solar cells

Abstract

One of the essential applications of transparent conductive oxides is as front electrodes for superstrate silicon thin-film solar cells. Textured TCO thin films can improve absorption of sunlight for an a-Si:H absorber during a single optical path. In this study, high-haze and low-resistivity bilayer GZO/SiOx thin films prepared using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) deposition technique and dc magnetron sputtering. The silicon subdioxide nano-film plays an important role in controlling the haze value of subsequent deposited GZO thin films. The bilayer GZO/SiOx (90 sccm) sample has the highest haze value (22.30%), the lowest resistivity (8.98 x 10(-4) Omega cm), and reaches a maximum cell efficiency of 6.85% (enhanced by approximately 19% compared to a sample of non-textured GZO). (c) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.