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Low-temperature surface passivation of silicon for solar cells

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2096673· OSTI ID:6236587
Low-temperature-deposited silicon nitride and aluminum oxide films are investigated for reducing carrier recombination at the silicon surface. The insulator/silicon interface properties (fixed charge density, fast interface state density, and surface recombination velocity) are studied as a function of deposition and annealing temperature in the range of 270/sup 0/ - 550/sup 0/C. The effects of UV irradiation and their elimination by charge-induced passivation are extensively discussed. The successful application of both films for front surface passivation of a novel thin-silicon solar cell of the back collection type (BACK-MIS cell) is demonstrated. Finally, a simple configuration for efficient back surface passivation of solar cells is introduced as a possible substitute for the conventional back surface field.
Research Organization:
Institut fur Werkstoffwissenschaften VI, Univ. Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen (DE); Nukem GmbH, Hanau 11 (DE)
OSTI ID:
6236587
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 136:2; ISSN JESOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English