An efficient ITO-free transparent electrode based on diamond-like carbon with an engineered intermediate metallic thin-film. (15th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferhati, H.; Djeffal, F.; Boubiche, N.; Le Normand, F.
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 196(2020)
• Page Start: 327
• Page End: 335
• Publication Date: 2020-01-15
• Subjects: DLC -- Multilayer -- RF sputtering -- Pulsed laser deposition -- TCE -- Transparency -- Solar cells; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2019.12.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: An efficient ITO-free transparent electrode based on diamond-like carbon is developed for low cost solar cells. A DLC/Ag/DLC multilayer structure was successfully developed by combining PLD and RF sputtering techniques. A new hybrid approach based on both FDTD and PSO techniques is proposed to optimize the TCE perormances. The optimized DLC/Ag/DLC tri-layered TCE exhibits superior FoM of 55.2 × 10 −3 Ω −1 . Abstract: In this paper, a novel Diamond-Like Carbon ( DLC )-based structure is proposed as an alternative material for transparent electrode applications. In this context, DLC/Ag/DLC multilayer structure was successfully fabricated by combining pulsed laser deposition ( PLD ) and RF magnetron sputtering techniques. DLC films were deposited at room temperature via PLD on a quartz substrate and their optical constants were extracted using ellipsometry technique. A new hybrid approach based on FDTD method supported by particle swarm optimization ( PSO ) technique was introduced to find out the best geometry and appropriate intermediate ultrathin metal film of the DLC/Metal/DLC multilayer structure, promoting wider opportunities to overcome the transparency-conductivity trade-off. The optimized design is then prepared by successively depositing DLC films and sputtering ultra-thin Ag layer. Characterizations showcased that the elaborated DLC/Ag/DLC tri-layered structure offers a high Haacke FoM of 55.2 × 10 −3 Ω −1, emphasizing the ability of the presented systematic investigation for providing promising pathways to reach enhanced light management and reduced resistive losses. Therefore, the elaborated DLC/Ag/DLC multilayer structure opens up new perspectives towards realizing high-performance transparent electrodes based on free-critical raw materials ( CRM), which are strongly desirable for optoelectronics and low cost thin film photovoltaic applications.