A study was carded out with the goal of obtaining high open circuit voltages (Voc) in a-Si:H n-i-p solar cells, taking into account the evolutionary nature of the microstructure of the p-layers during growth. It is found that cells with players in the protocrystalline Si:H growth regime give the highest values of Voc not those with microcrystalline Si:H p-layers. Evidence for this conclusion is presented whereby Voc is related directly to the microstructure of the p-layers, as characterized using spectroscopic ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy, and electrical measurements. The results clarify the origins of (i) inconsistencies associated with attributing high Voc in n-i-p cells to the microcrystallinity of the p-layers, as well as (ii) the inability to obtain similarly high values in p-i-n superstrate cells. Because the microstructure of p-type protocrystalline Si:H depends on that of the underlying i-layer, it is not possible to optimize the cell parameters based on an understanding of the process unless detailed characterization of the p-layer in the actual cell configuration is performed.
Pearce, J. (2019). Microstructurally Engineered p-layers for Obtaining High Open-Circuit Voltages in a-Si:H n-i-p Solar Cells. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/microstructurally-engineered-p-layers-for-obtaining-high-open-circuit-voltages-in-a-si-h-n-i-p-solar-cells
Pearce, Joshua "Microstructurally Engineered p-layers for Obtaining High Open-Circuit Voltages in a-Si:H n-i-p Solar Cells" Afribary. Afribary, 22 Apr. 2019, https://afribary.com/works/microstructurally-engineered-p-layers-for-obtaining-high-open-circuit-voltages-in-a-si-h-n-i-p-solar-cells. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
Pearce, Joshua . "Microstructurally Engineered p-layers for Obtaining High Open-Circuit Voltages in a-Si:H n-i-p Solar Cells". Afribary, Afribary, 22 Apr. 2019. Web. 25 Apr. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/microstructurally-engineered-p-layers-for-obtaining-high-open-circuit-voltages-in-a-si-h-n-i-p-solar-cells >.
Pearce, Joshua . "Microstructurally Engineered p-layers for Obtaining High Open-Circuit Voltages in a-Si:H n-i-p Solar Cells" Afribary (2019). Accessed April 25, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/microstructurally-engineered-p-layers-for-obtaining-high-open-circuit-voltages-in-a-si-h-n-i-p-solar-cells