Title: Texturing of crystalline Si thin film solar cells via nanostructure to boost efficiency

Authors: Junshuai Li, Hongyu Yu

Addresses: School of EEE, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore. ' School of EEE, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore

Abstract: In this paper, we review the recent progresses aiming at boosting the efficiency of crystalline Si thin film solar cells via surface texturing using Si nanostructures, including Si nanopillar or Si nanowire, Si nanocone, and Si nanohole arrays. The preparation, optical and electrical characteristics of the nanostructure-incorporated systems, and research status of the related solar cells are provided. The potential issues in realising the high-efficiency Si thin film-based solar cells textured with the nanostructures are also highlighted.

Keywords: efficiency boost; silicon thin films; solar cells; nanostructure texturing; silicon nanostructures; silicon nanopillar arrays; silicon nanowire arrays; silicon nanocone arrays; silicon nanohole arrays; photovoltaic effect; ultimate efficiency; power conversion efficiency; nanopillars; nanowires; nanocones; nanoholes; nanotechnology; solar energy; solar power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNP.2011.040514

International Journal of Nanoparticles, 2011 Vol.4 No.2/3, pp.284 - 306

Received: 14 Aug 2010
Accepted: 04 Sep 2010
Published online: 13 Mar 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article