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Title: Biaxially-Textured Photovoltaic Film Crystal Silicon on Ion Beam Assisted Deposition CaF2 Seed Layers on Glass

Journal Article · · Energy & Environmental Science
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c2ee21097e· OSTI ID:1048589

We grow biaxially textured heteroepitaxial crystal silicon (c-Si) films on display glass as a low-cost photovoltaic material. We first fabricate textured CaF{sub 2} seed layers using ion-beam assisted deposition, then coat the CaF{sub 2} with a thin, evaporated epitaxial Ge buffer and finally deposit heteroepitaxial silicon on the Ge. The silicon is grown by hot-wire chemical vapor deposition, a high-rate, scalable epitaxy technology. Electron and X-ray diffraction confirm the biaxial texture of the CaF{sub 2} and epitaxial growth of the subsequent layers. Transmission electron microscopy reveals columnar silicon grains about 500 nm across. We fabricate a proof-of-concept epitaxial film c-Si solar cell with an open circuit voltage of 375 mV that is limited by minority carrier lifetime.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-08GO28308
OSTI ID:
1048589
Report Number(s):
NREL/JA-5200-55506; TRN: US201216%%1022
Journal Information:
Energy & Environmental Science, Vol. 5, Issue 5; ISSN 1754-5692
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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