Silver nanowire networks as transparent top electrodes for silicon solar cells. (1st January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aurang, Pantea; Doganay, Doga; Bek, Alpan; Turan, Rasit; Unalan, Husnu Emrah
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 141(2017)
• Page Start: 110
• Page End: 117
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Subjects: Silicon based solar cells -- Silver nanowires -- Plasmonics -- Top contacts; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2016.11.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Silver nanowire networks were utilised as top electrodes in silicon solar cells. An annealing treatment optimised the contacts between silver nanowires and silicon. Broadband plasmonic absorption was responsible for increased relative efficiency. Abstract: Losses caused by the metal top contacts still remain as an issue in crystalline silicon (Si) solar cells. One approach to eliminate shading losses is to utilise transparent nanostructure networks synthesised through rapid and low cost processes. In this work, the potential of highly conductive silver nanowire (Ag NW) networks as transparent top electrodes for the elimination of metallisation process in Si solar cells was investigated. Ag NW top contact cells were found to possess enhanced conversion efficiencies with respect to conventional metal contact reference cells. Increase in conversion efficiency was attributed to the elimination of shading losses, preferential scattering of light into the substrate by localised surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) of the Ag NWs and localised and higher charge collection capability with respect to conventional metal contacts.