GOALI: Novel Nanocrystalline Silicon Solar Cells on Plastic Substrates

该研究的目的是利用纳米晶硅及其合金材料在塑料衬底上开发高效、稳定的太阳能电池。该方法是使用一种新颖的装置设计来提高太阳能电池的性能。纳米晶硅及其合金材料将采用控制氢稀释的低离子能量等离子体工艺沉积，从而获得晶粒尺寸更大的薄膜和更好的光伏器件。通过将非晶和晶体器件结合在一个电池结构中，这种新颖的器件设计将允许更多的光收集。分级接口将用于优化设备性能。系统研究材料性能与等离子体参数、晶粒尺寸和氢稀释度的关系，以优化器件性能。计划与爱荷华薄膜技术公司进行重要的研究互动，以便能够利用该公司在塑料基板上沉积太阳能电池和光学增强技术方面的专业知识。该项目将显著提高在塑料基板上生产低成本太阳能电池的技术。提高太阳能电池的性能和稳定性可能会降低太阳能转换的成本，并减少全球变暖。该项目的教育影响也很显著，本科生和研究生都大力参与该项目，包括对少数民族学生的指导。

The objective of the research is to develop high efficiency, stable solar cells on plastic substrates using nanocrystalline Si and its alloy materials. The approach is to use a novel device design to increase the performance of solar cells. The nanocrystalline Si and its alloy materials will be deposited using a low ion energy plasma process with controlled hydrogen dilution which can result in films with larger grain size and better photovoltaic devices. The novel device design will allow for more light collection by combining amorphous and crystalline devices in one cell structure. Graded interfaces will be used to optimize device performance. A systematic study of material properties as a function of plasma parameters, grain size and hydrogen dilution will be undertaken so as to optimize device performance. Significant research interaction with a company, Iowa Thin Film Technologies, is planned so as to be able to utilize the expertise of the company in depositing solar cells on plastic substrates and in optical enhancement technology.The project will result in a significant enhancement of the technology for producing low cost solar cells on plastic substrates. Increasing the performance and stability of the solar cell will likely result in lowering the cost of solar energy conversion and in reducing global warming. The educational impact of the project is also significant, with a strong involvement of both undergraduate and graduate students in the project, including mentoring of minority students.