TW201330291A - Crystalline silicon solar cell and method of fabricating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a crystalline silicon solr cell and method of fabricating the same. The crystalline silicon solar cell according to the invention includes a crystalline silicon substrate, an intrinsic amorphous material layer formed on the crystalline silicon substrate, an amorphous silicon layer formed on the intrinsic amorphous material layer, a first transparent conductive film formed on the amorphous silicon layer, a second transparent conductive film formed on the first transparent conductive film, and a metal electrode layer formed on the second transparent conductive film. In particular, the work function of the first transparent conductive film is lower than that of the amorphous silicon layer and higher that of the second transparent conductive film such that efficiency of hole extraction is ehnaced.

Description

Crystalline germanium solar cell and method of manufacturing same

The present invention relates to a crystalline silicon solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same, and in particular, to a crystalline germanium solar cell having high hole extraction efficiency and a method of fabricating the same.

Photovoltaic devices have been widely used because they convert energy that is easily obtained from a light source (for example, sunlight) into electricity to manipulate electronic devices such as computers, computers, heaters, and the like. Use. The most common photovoltaic component is a crystalline germanium solar cell.

At present, a crystalline germanium solar cell with high photoelectric conversion efficiency is a silicon heterojunction solar cell proposed by Sanyo Electronics Co., Ltd., and its structure can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,935,344.

Referring to Fig. 1, a cross-sectional view of a layered stacked structure of a heterojunction solar cell 1 is depicted in Fig. 1. The heterojunction solar cell 1 comprises an n-type crystalline germanium substrate 10, and an intrinsic amorphous silicon layer 11 formed on one surface 102 of the crystalline germanium substrate 10 is formed thereon. A p-type amorphous silicon layer 12 on the intrinsic amorphous germanium layer 11, a transparent conductive film 13 formed on the p-type amorphous germanium layer 12, and a transparent conductive film 13 formed on the transparent conductive film 13 One of the metal electrodes 14. The metal electrode 14 serves as a collecting electrode. The heterojunction solar cell 1 comprises and comprises an intrinsic amorphous germanium layer 15 formed on a lower surface 104 of the crystalline germanium substrate 10, and an n-type amorphous germanium formed on the intrinsic amorphous germanium layer 15. A layer 16, a transparent conductive film 17 formed on the n-type amorphous germanium layer 16, and a metal electrode 18 formed on the transparent conductive film 17. The metal electrode 18 serves as a back electrode.

Each photon of sunlight enters and is absorbed by the crystalline germanium substrate 10 to transfer the energy of the photon to an electron that is originally in a bonded state (covalent bond), and thereby release the original bonding state. The electrons become free electrons. Such movable electrons, as well as the holes left in the covalent bond (the holes are also movable), contain one of the potential elements of the current flowing from the solar cell. In order to contribute to this current, the above-mentioned electrons and holes cannot be recombined, but instead are separated by an electric field associated with the heterojunction of the tantalum junction solar cell 1. If the electrons are separated from the hole, the electrons will move to the back electrode 18 and the hole will move to the collecting electrode 14.

However, the heterojunction solar cell disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,935,344 has poor hole extraction efficiency, resulting in an improved space for the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the heterojunction solar cell as a whole.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a crystalline germanium solar cell having high hole extraction efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the entire crystalline germanium solar cell.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a crystalline germanium solar cell comprises a crystalline germanium substrate, a first intrinsic amorphous material layer, a first amorphous germanium layer, a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film and a first metal electrode layer. The crystalline germanium substrate has an n-type conductivity type. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed on one of the major surfaces of the crystalline germanium substrate. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed of hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide (a-SiO _x :H) or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium (a-Si:H). The first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductivity type and is formed on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer. The first transparent conductive film is formed on the first amorphous germanium layer. The first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and the first transparent conductive film has a second surface at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer Work function. The second transparent conductive film is formed on the first transparent conductive layer. The first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film has a fourth work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. . The first metal electrode layer is formed on the second transparent conductive film. Specifically, the second work function is lower than the first work function, and the fourth work function is lower than the third work function, thereby reducing extraction between the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode layer The potential energy barrier of the hole is used to improve the efficiency of hole extraction. Further, the crystalline germanium solar cell comprises a second intrinsic amorphous material layer, a second amorphous germanium layer, a third transparent conductive film, and a second metal electrode layer. The second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed on a back surface of one of the crystalline tantalum substrates, wherein the back surface is the reverse side of the main surface. The second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed of hydrogenated amorphous cerium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous cerium. The second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive pattern and is formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer. The third transparent conductive film is formed on the second amorphous germanium layer. The second metal electrode layer is formed on the third transparent conductive film.

According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a crystalline germanium solar cell comprises a crystalline germanium substrate, a first intrinsic amorphous material layer, a first amorphous germanium layer, a first transparent conductive film, a second transparent conductive film and a first metal electrode layer. The crystalline germanium substrate has a p-type conductivity type. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed on one of the major surfaces of the crystalline germanium substrate. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed of hydrogenated amorphous cerium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous cerium. The first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductivity type and is formed on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer. The first transparent conductive film is formed on the first amorphous germanium layer. The first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and the first transparent conductive film has a second surface at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer Work function. The second transparent conductive film is formed on the first transparent conductive layer. The first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film has a fourth work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. . The first metal electrode layer is formed on the second transparent conductive film. Specifically, the second work function is lower than the first work function, and the fourth work function is lower than the third work function, thereby reducing extraction between the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode layer The potential energy barrier of the hole is used to improve the efficiency of hole extraction. Further, the crystalline germanium solar cell comprises a second intrinsic amorphous material layer, a second amorphous germanium layer, a third transparent conductive film, and a second metal electrode layer. The second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed on a back surface of one of the crystalline tantalum substrates, wherein the back surface is the reverse side of the main surface. The second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed of hydrogenated amorphous cerium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous cerium. The second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive pattern and is formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer. The third transparent conductive film is formed on the second amorphous germanium layer. The second metal electrode layer is formed on the third transparent conductive film.

A method of fabricating a crystalline germanium solar cell according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, preparing a crystalline germanium substrate, wherein the crystalline germanium substrate has an n-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a first intrinsic amorphous material layer on one main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate, wherein the first intrinsic amorphous material layer is composed of hydrogenated amorphous germanium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous germanium. form. Next, the method forms a first amorphous germanium layer on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a first transparent conductive film on the first amorphous germanium layer, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and The first transparent conductive film has a second work function at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer. Next, the method forms a second transparent conductive film on the first transparent conductive layer, wherein the first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the first The two transparent conductive film has a fourth work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. Finally, the method forms a first metal electrode layer on the second transparent conductive film. Specifically, the second work function is lower than the first work function, and the fourth work function is lower than the third work function, thereby reducing extraction between the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode layer The potential energy barrier of the hole is used to improve the efficiency of hole extraction. Further, the method forms a second layer of an intrinsic amorphous material on a back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates, wherein the back surface is the reverse side of the main surface, and the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is hydrogenated Formed by amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium. Next, the method forms a second amorphous germanium layer on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a third transparent conductive film on the second amorphous germanium layer. Finally, the method forms a second metal electrode layer on the third transparent conductive film.

According to a method of fabricating a crystalline germanium solar cell according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, a crystalline germanium substrate is prepared, wherein the crystalline germanium substrate has a p-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a first intrinsic amorphous material layer on one main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate, wherein the first intrinsic amorphous material layer is composed of hydrogenated amorphous germanium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous germanium. form. Next, the method forms a first amorphous germanium layer on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a first transparent conductive film on the first amorphous germanium layer, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and The first transparent conductive film has a second work function at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer. Next, the method forms a second transparent conductive film on the first transparent conductive layer, wherein the first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the first The two transparent conductive film has a fourth work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. Finally, the method forms a first metal electrode layer on the second transparent conductive film. Specifically, the second work function is lower than the first work function, and the fourth work function is lower than the third work function, thereby reducing extraction between the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode layer The potential energy barrier of the hole is used to improve the efficiency of hole extraction. Further, the method forms a second layer of an intrinsic amorphous material on a back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates, wherein the back surface is the reverse side of the main surface, and the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is hydrogenated Formed by amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium. Next, the method forms a second amorphous germanium layer on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive state. Next, the method forms a third transparent conductive film on the second amorphous germanium layer. Finally, the method forms a second metal electrode layer on the third transparent conductive film.

In a specific embodiment, the first transparent conductive film may be made of oxygen-rich ITO, oxygen-rich ZnO (Al), vanadium pentoxide (V ₂ O). ₅ ), nickel (Ni), nickel oxide (NiO), copper (Cu), cuprous oxide (Cu ₂ O), tungsten oxide (WO _x ), molybdenum trioxide (MoO ₃ ), gold (Au), platinum ( Pt), palladium (Pd), palladium oxide (PdO) or other similar materials.

In one embodiment, the first transparent conductive film has a thickness ranging from 0.1 nm to 10 nm.

In a specific embodiment, the third work function is lower than the second work function, and the distribution of the work function inside the first transparent conductive film is gradually reduced from the second work function to the third work function.

In a specific embodiment, the second transparent conductive film may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with a group IIIA element, tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) doped with a group VIIA element, Formed by indium trioxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or other similar materials.

The advantages and spirit of the present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description of the invention.

The present invention provides a crystalline germanium solar cell having high hole extraction efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same to improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the entire crystalline germanium solar cell. The features, spirits, advantages and implementation possibilities of the present invention are fully explained by the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell 2 in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figure 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the crystalline germanium solar cell 2 comprises a crystalline germanium substrate 20, a first intrinsic amorphous material layer 21, a first amorphous germanium layer 22, a first transparent conductive film 23, and a The second transparent conductive film 24 and a first metal electrode layer 25.

The crystalline germanium substrate 20 has an n-type conductive state. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer 21 is formed on one of the main surfaces 202 of the crystalline tantalum substrate 20. As shown in Figure 2, the major surface 202 faces upwards and will face the sun. To reduce the reflectivity of incident sunlight, the major surface 202 is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

In one embodiment, the first intrinsic amorphous material layer 21 may be formed of hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide (a-SiO _x :H) or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium (a-Si:H).

The first amorphous germanium layer 22 has a p-type conductivity type and is formed on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer 21. The first transparent conductive film 23 is formed on the first amorphous germanium layer 22. The first amorphous germanium layer 22 has a first work function W1 at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film 23, and the surface of the first transparent conductive film 23 in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer 22 There is a second work function W2. The second transparent conductive film 24 is formed on the first transparent conductive layer 23. The first transparent conductive film 23 has a third work function W3 at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film 24, and the second transparent conductive film 24 has a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film 23. A fourth work function W4. The first metal electrode layer 25 is formed on the second transparent conductive film 24.

In particular, the second work function W2 is lower than the first work function W1, and the fourth work function W4 is lower than the third work function W3, thereby reducing the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode The potential energy barrier of the hole is extracted between the layers to improve the efficiency of hole extraction.

In a specific embodiment, the first transparent conductive film 23 may be made of oxygen-rich ITO (work function: 4.3-5.0 eV), oxygen-rich aluminum-doped zinc oxide (oxygen-rich ZnO: Al). ) (work function: 4.5~5.0eV), vanadium pentoxide (V ₂ O ₅ ) (work function: 5.4eV), nickel (Ni) (work function: 5.2eV), nickel oxide (NiO) (work function: 5.0~5.4eV), copper (Cu) (work function: 5.1eV), cuprous oxide (Cu ₂ O) (work function: 5.0eV), tungsten oxide (WO _x ) (work function: 4.5~6.2eV; 0 ≦x≦3), molybdenum trioxide (MoO ₃ ) (work function: 5.7 eV), gold (Au) (work function: 5.3 eV), platinum (Pt) (work function: 5.7 eV), palladium (Pd) ( Work function: 5.2 eV), palladium oxide (PdO) (work function: 5.4 ~ 7.9 eV) or other similar materials. The work function of the first transparent conductive film 23 needs to be at least 4.5 eV, preferably 5.0 eV or more.

In one embodiment, to maintain the transparency of the first transparent conductive film 23, the thickness of the first transparent conductive film 23 ranges from 0.1 nm to 10 nm.

In a specific embodiment, the third work function W3 is lower than the second work function W2, and the distribution of the work function inside the first transparent conductive film 23 is gradually reduced from the second work function W2 to the first Three work function W3.

In a specific embodiment, the second transparent conductive film 24 may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with a group IIIA element, and tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) doped with a group VIIA element. Formed by indium trioxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or other similar materials. The work function of these common transparent oxide films does not exceed 4.8 eV.

In a specific embodiment, the second transparent conductive film 24 has a fifth work function W5 at a surface in contact with the first metal electrode layer 25. The fifth work function W5 is lower than the fourth work function W4, and the distribution of the work function inside the second transparent conductive film 24 is gradually reduced from the fourth work function W4 to the fifth work function W5.

In a specific embodiment, the first metal electrode layer 25 may be formed of silver or aluminum.

Also shown in FIG. 2, further, the crystalline germanium solar cell 2 includes a second intrinsic amorphous material layer 26, a second amorphous germanium layer 27, a third transparent conductive film 28, and a second metal electrode layer. 29.

The second intrinsic amorphous material layer 26 is formed on one of the back surfaces 204 of the crystalline germanium substrate 20, wherein the back surface 204 is the reverse side of the major surface 202. In order to reduce the reflectance of incident sunlight, the back surface 204 is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

In one embodiment, the second layer of intrinsic amorphous material 26 can be formed from hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium.

The second amorphous germanium layer 27 has an n-type conductive pattern and is formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer 26. The third transparent conductive film 28 is formed on the second amorphous germanium layer 27. The second metal electrode layer 29 is formed on the third transparent conductive film 28.

In a specific embodiment, the third transparent conductive film 28 may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with a group IIIA element, and tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) doped with a group VIIA element. Formed by indium trioxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or other similar materials.

In a specific embodiment, the second metal electrode layer 29 may be formed of silver or aluminum.

Referring to Figure 3, a cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell 3 in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figure 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the crystalline germanium solar cell 3 comprises a crystalline germanium substrate 30, a first intrinsic amorphous material layer 31, a first amorphous germanium layer 32, a first transparent conductive film 33, and a The second transparent conductive film 34 and a first metal electrode layer 35.

The crystalline germanium substrate 30 has a p-type conductivity type. The first intrinsic amorphous material layer 31 is formed on one of the main surfaces 302 of the crystalline tantalum substrate 30. As shown in Figure 3, the major surface 302 faces downward. To reduce the reflectivity of incident sunlight, the major surface 302 is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

In a specific embodiment, the first intrinsic amorphous material layer 31 may be formed of hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium.

The first amorphous germanium layer 32 has a p-type conductivity type and is formed on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer 31. The first transparent conductive film 33 is formed on the first amorphous germanium layer 32. The first amorphous germanium layer 32 has a first work function W1 at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film 33, and the first transparent conductive film 33 is in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer 32. There is a second work function W2. The second transparent conductive film 34 is formed on the first transparent conductive layer 33. The first transparent conductive film 33 has a third work function W3 at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film 34, and the second transparent conductive film 34 has a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film 33. A fourth work function W4. The first metal electrode layer 35 is formed on the second transparent conductive film 34. Similarly, the second work function W2 is lower than the first work function W1, and the fourth work function W4 is lower than the third work function W3, thereby reducing the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode The potential energy barrier of the hole is extracted between the layers to improve the efficiency of hole extraction.

In a specific embodiment, the first transparent conductive film 33 may be made of oxygen-rich ITO, oxygen-rich ZnO (Al), vanadium pentoxide (V _{2 )} O ₅ ), nickel (Ni), nickel oxide (NiO), copper (Cu), cuprous oxide (Cu ₂ O), tungsten oxide (WO _x ) (work function: 4.5~6.2 eV; 0≦x≦3) Formed by molybdenum trioxide (MoO ₃ ), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), palladium oxide (PdO) or the like.

In one embodiment, to maintain the transparency of the first transparent conductive film 33, the thickness of the first transparent conductive film 33 ranges from 0.1 nm to 10 nm.

In a specific embodiment, the third work function W3 is lower than the second work function W2, and the distribution of the work function inside the first transparent conductive film 33 is gradually reduced from the second work function W2 to the first Three work function W3.

In a specific embodiment, the second transparent conductive film 34 may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with a group IIIA element, and tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) doped with a group VIIA element. Formed by indium trioxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or other similar materials.

In a specific embodiment, the second transparent conductive film 34 has a fifth work function W5 at the surface in contact with the first metal electrode layer 35. The fifth work function W5 is lower than the fourth work function W4, and the distribution of the work function inside the second transparent conductive film 34 is gradually reduced from the fourth work function W4 to the fifth work function W5.

In a specific embodiment, the first metal electrode layer 35 may be formed of silver or aluminum.

Also shown in FIG. 3, further, the crystalline germanium solar cell 3 includes a second intrinsic amorphous material layer 36, a second amorphous germanium layer 37, a third transparent conductive film 38, and a second metal electrode layer. 39.

The second intrinsic amorphous material layer 36 is formed on one of the back surfaces 304 of the crystalline germanium substrate 30, wherein the back surface 304 is the reverse side of the major surface 302. As shown in Figure 3, the back surface 304 faces upward. In order to reduce the reflectance of incident sunlight, the back surface 304 is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

In one embodiment, the second layer of intrinsic amorphous material 36 can be formed from hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium.

The second amorphous germanium layer 37 has an n-type conductive pattern and is formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer 36. The third transparent conductive film 38 is formed on the second amorphous germanium layer 37. The second metal electrode layer 39 is formed on the third transparent conductive film 38.

In a specific embodiment, the third transparent conductive film 38 may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO) doped with a group IIIA element, and tin dioxide (SnO ₂ ) doped with a group VIIA element. Formed by indium trioxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or other similar materials.

In a specific embodiment, the second metal electrode layer 39 may be formed of silver or aluminum.

A method of fabricating a crystalline germanium solar cell according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, preparing a crystalline germanium substrate, wherein the crystalline germanium substrate has an n-type conductive state.

Next, the method forms a first essential amorphous material layer on a main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate by, for example, a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, wherein the first An intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium having a thickness of about 3 nm to 8 nm. In order to reduce the reflectance of the incident sunlight, the main surface is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

Next, the method forms a first amorphous germanium layer on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductivity type, and the thickness thereof is about 3 nm. ~10nm.

Next, the method is performed on the first amorphous germanium layer by, for example, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a sputtering method, a physical vapor deposition method, a thermal evaporation method, a vacuum evaporation method, or an electron beam evaporation method. Or another deposition method forms a first transparent conductive film. The first transparent conductive film has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to 10 nm. The first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function W1 at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and the first transparent conductive film has a first surface at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer Two work function W2.

Next, the method is performed on the first transparent conductive layer by, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, physical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, vacuum evaporation, electron beam evaporation, or other deposition methods. A second transparent conductive film is formed. The second transparent conductive film has a thickness of about 70 nm to 90 nm. The first transparent conductive film has a third work function W3 at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film has a fourth work at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. Function W4.

Finally, the method forms a first metal electrode layer on the second transparent conductive film by a process such as screen printing or evaporation, and has a thickness of about several micrometers. The first metal electrode layer may be formed of silver or aluminum. In particular, the second work function W2 is lower than the first work function W1, and the fourth work function W4 is lower than the third work function W3, thereby reducing the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode The potential energy barrier of the hole is extracted between the layers to improve the efficiency of hole extraction.

Further, a second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed on the back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates by, for example, a PECVD process according to the method of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the back surface is the main surface On the reverse side, the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium, and has a thickness of about 3 nm to 8 nm. In order to reduce the reflectivity of the incident sunlight, the back surface is preferably roughened to a rough surface. Next, the method forms a second amorphous germanium layer on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive type, and the thickness thereof is about 3 nm. ~10nm. Next, the method is performed on the second amorphous germanium layer by, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, physical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, vacuum evaporation, electron beam evaporation, or other deposition. The method forms a third transparent conductive film having a thickness of about 70 nm to 90 nm. Finally, the method forms a second metal electrode layer on the third transparent conductive film by a process such as screen printing or evaporation, and has a thickness of about several micrometers. The second metal electrode layer may be formed of silver or aluminum. A cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell fabricated according to the method of the third preferred embodiment of the present invention is as shown in Fig. 2.

According to a method of fabricating a crystalline germanium solar cell according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, first, a crystalline germanium substrate is prepared, wherein the crystalline germanium substrate has a p-type conductive state.

Next, the method forms a first intrinsic amorphous material layer on one main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the first intrinsic amorphous material layer is hydrogenated amorphous germanium oxide or hydrogenated. It is formed of amorphous germanium and has a thickness of about 3 nm to 8 nm. In order to reduce the reflectance of the incident sunlight, the main surface is preferably roughened to a rough surface.

Next, the method forms a first amorphous germanium layer on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer has a p-type conductivity type, and the thickness thereof is about 3 nm. ~10nm.

Next, the method is performed on the first amorphous germanium layer by, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, physical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, vacuum evaporation, electron beam evaporation, or other deposition. The method forms a first transparent conductive film. The first transparent conductive film has a thickness of about 0.1 nm to 10 nm. The first amorphous germanium layer has a first work function W1 at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and the first transparent conductive film has a first surface at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer Two work function W2.

Next, the method is performed on the first transparent conductive layer by, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, physical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, vacuum evaporation, electron beam evaporation, or other deposition methods. A second transparent conductive film is formed. The second transparent conductive film has a thickness of about 70 nm to 90 nm. The first transparent conductive film has a third work function W3 at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film has a fourth work at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film. Function W4.

Finally, the method forms a first metal electrode layer on the second transparent conductive film by a process such as screen printing or evaporation, and has a thickness of about several micrometers. The first metal electrode layer may be formed of silver or aluminum. Similarly, the second work function W2 is lower than the first work function W1, and the fourth work function W4 is lower than the third work function W3, thereby reducing the p-type amorphous germanium layer and the metal electrode The potential energy barrier of the hole is extracted between the layers to improve the efficiency of hole extraction.

Further, according to the method of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second layer of an amorphous material is formed on the back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the back surface is the main surface On the other hand, the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium having a thickness of about 3 nm to 8 nm. In order to reduce the reflectivity of the incident sunlight, the back surface is preferably roughened to a rough surface. Next, the method forms a second amorphous germanium layer on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer by, for example, a PECVD process, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive type, and the thickness thereof is about 3 nm. ~10nm. Next, the method is performed on the second amorphous germanium layer by, for example, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, physical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, vacuum evaporation, electron beam evaporation, or other deposition. The method forms a third transparent conductive film having a thickness of about 70 nm to 90 nm. Finally, the method forms a second metal electrode layer on the third transparent conductive film by a process such as screen printing or evaporation, and has a thickness of about several micrometers. The second metal electrode layer may be formed of silver or aluminum. A cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell fabricated according to the method of the fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is as shown in FIG.

Referring to Table 1, various battery characteristics obtained by testing the crystalline germanium solar cell according to the present invention include open circuit voltage (V _oc ), short circuit current density (J _sc ), fill factor (FF), and conversion efficiency (η). ). Table 1 also lists the test results of the surface of the substrate of the crystalline germanium solar cell according to the present invention which has been roughened and not roughened. Table 1 also lists the test results of the cells in which the surface of the substrate of the prior art without introducing the first transparent conductive film is roughened and not roughened.

From the test data of the first table, it is clear that the conversion efficiency of the crystalline germanium solar cell according to the present invention is superior to that of the prior art crystalline germanium solar cell. In view of the comprehensive evaluation index-fill factor, the characteristics of the crystalline germanium solar cell according to the present invention are superior to those of the prior art crystalline germanium solar cell.

In summary, the crystalline germanium solar cell according to the present invention has high hole extraction efficiency, thereby improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the entire crystalline germanium solar cell.

The features and spirit of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. On the contrary, the intention is to cover various modifications and equivalents within the scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, the scope of the patented scope of the invention should be construed as broadly construed in the

1. . . Helium heterojunction solar cell

10. . . Crystalline ruthenium substrate

102. . . Crystallized tantalum substrate

104. . . Crystallization of the underlying surface of the substrate

11. . . Intrinsic amorphous layer

12. . . P-type amorphous germanium layer

13,17. . . Transparent conductive film

14, 18. . . Metal electrode

15. . . Intrinsic amorphous layer

16. . . N-type amorphous germanium layer

2. . . Crystalline solar cell

20. . . Crystalline ruthenium substrate

202. . . The main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate

204. . . Back surface of crystalline germanium substrate

twenty one. . . First essential amorphous material layer

twenty two. . . First amorphous layer

twenty three. . . First transparent conductive film

twenty four. . . Second transparent conductive film

25. . . First metal electrode layer

26. . . Second essential amorphous material layer

27. . . Second amorphous layer

28. . . Third transparent conductive film

29. . . Second metal electrode layer

3. . . Crystalline solar cell

30. . . Crystalline ruthenium substrate

302. . . The main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate

304. . . Back surface of crystalline germanium substrate

31. . . First essential amorphous material layer

32. . . First amorphous layer

33. . . First essential amorphous material layer

34. . . Second transparent conductive film

35. . . First metal electrode layer

36. . . Second essential amorphous material layer

37. . . Second amorphous layer

38. . . Third transparent conductive film

39. . . Second metal electrode layer

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a layered stacked structure of a prior art heterojunction solar cell.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a crystalline germanium solar cell in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

2. . . Crystalline solar cell

20. . . Crystalline ruthenium substrate

202. . . The main surface of the crystalline germanium substrate

204. . . Back surface of crystalline germanium substrate

twenty one. . . First essential amorphous material layer

twenty two. . . First amorphous layer

twenty three. . . First transparent conductive film

twenty four. . . Second transparent conductive film

25. . . First metal electrode layer

26. . . Second essential amorphous material layer

27. . . Second amorphous layer

28. . . Third transparent conductive film

29. . . Second metal electrode layer

Claims (10)

A crystalline germanium solar cell comprising: a crystalline germanium substrate having a first conductivity type; a first intrinsic amorphous material layer formed on one major surface of the crystalline germanium substrate; a crystalline germanium layer having a second conductivity type formed on the first intrinsic amorphous material layer; a first transparent conductive film formed on the first amorphous germanium layer, wherein the first non- The wafer layer has a first work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film, and the first transparent conductive film has a second work function at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer; a second transparent conductive film formed on the first transparent conductive layer, wherein the first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film Having a fourth work function at a surface in contact with the first transparent conductive film; and a first metal electrode layer formed on the second transparent conductive film; wherein the second work function is lower than the first Work function, and The work function of less than four lines of the third work function. The crystallization solar cell of claim 1, wherein the first amorphous material layer is formed of hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium. The crystallization solar cell of claim 2, wherein the first transparent conductive film is selected from the group consisting of oxygen-rich indium tin oxide, oxygen-enriched aluminum-doped zinc oxide, vanadium pentoxide, nickel, nickel oxide, copper, and oxidized sub- Forming one of a group consisting of copper, tungsten trioxide, molybdenum trioxide, gold, platinum, palladium, and palladium oxide, the second transparent conductive film being selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, doped with a group IIIA element One of a group consisting of zinc oxide, a Group VIA-doped tin dioxide, and indium trioxide is formed. The crystallization solar cell of claim 3, wherein the third work function is lower than the second work function, and the distribution of the work function inside the first transparent conductive film is gradually reduced from the second work function to The third work function. The crystallization solar cell of claim 3, wherein the first conductive state is an n-type state and the second conductive state is a p-type state, the crystalline germanium solar cell further comprising: a second essential amorphous material a layer formed on a back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates, the back surface being a reverse side of the main surface, the second intrinsic amorphous material layer being formed by hydrogenated amorphous germanium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous germanium; a second amorphous germanium layer having an n-type conductive pattern and formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer; a third transparent conductive film formed on the second amorphous germanium layer; A second metal electrode layer is formed on the third transparent conductive film. The crystallization solar cell of claim 3, wherein the first conductive state is a p-type state, and the second conductive state is a p-type state, the crystallization solar cell further comprising: a second essential amorphous material a layer formed on a back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates, the back surface being a reverse side of the main surface, the second intrinsic amorphous material layer being formed by hydrogenated amorphous germanium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous germanium; a second amorphous germanium layer having an n-type conductive pattern and formed on the second intrinsic amorphous material layer; a third transparent conductive film formed on the second amorphous germanium layer; A second metal electrode layer is formed on the third transparent conductive film. A method for producing a crystalline germanium solar cell, comprising the steps of: preparing a crystalline germanium substrate, wherein the crystalline germanium substrate has a first conductivity type; and forming a first surface on one of the major surfaces of the crystalline germanium substrate An intrinsic amorphous material layer, wherein the first intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium; on the first essential amorphous material layer, a first non-form is formed a first germanium germanium layer having a second conductivity type; a first transparent conductive film formed on the first amorphous germanium layer, wherein the first amorphous germanium layer is a surface of the transparent conductive film contacts a first work function, and the first transparent conductive film has a second work function at a surface in contact with the first amorphous germanium layer; on the first transparent conductive layer Forming a second transparent conductive film, wherein the first transparent conductive film has a third work function at a surface in contact with the second transparent conductive film, and the second transparent conductive film is in contact with the first transparent conductive film Contact surface Having a fourth work function; and forming a first metal electrode layer on the second transparent conductive film; wherein the second work function is lower than the first work function, and the fourth work function is lower than the The third work function. The method of claim 7, wherein the first transparent conductive film is selected from the group consisting of oxygen-rich indium tin oxide, oxygen-enriched aluminum-doped zinc oxide, vanadium pentoxide, nickel, nickel oxide, copper, cuprous oxide, and the like. Forming one of a group consisting of tungsten oxide, molybdenum trioxide, gold, platinum, palladium, and palladium oxide, the second transparent conductive film being selected from zinc oxide doped with indium tin oxide and containing a group IIIA element Forming one of a group consisting of a Group VIA-doped tin dioxide and indium trioxide, the third work function is lower than the second work function, and the first transparent conductive film is internally The distribution of the work function is gradually reduced from the second work function to the third work function. The method of claim 8, wherein the first conductive state is an n-type state and the second conductive type is a p-type state, the method further comprising the step of: on a back surface of one of the crystalline germanium substrates, Forming a second layer of an amorphous material, wherein the back surface is a reverse side of the main surface, and the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium; Forming a second amorphous germanium layer on the layer of the amorphous material, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive pattern; and forming a third transparent conductive film on the second amorphous germanium layer And forming a second metal electrode layer on the third transparent conductive film. The method of claim 8, wherein the first conductive state is a p-type state and the second conductive type is a p-type state, the crystalline germanium solar cell further comprising: on a back surface of the crystalline germanium substrate Forming a second layer of an intrinsic amorphous material, wherein the back surface is a reverse side of the main surface, and the second intrinsic amorphous material layer is formed by hydrogenated amorphous yttrium oxide or hydrogenated amorphous yttrium; Forming a second amorphous germanium layer on the second amorphous material layer, wherein the second amorphous germanium layer has an n-type conductive pattern; and forming a third transparent conductive layer on the second amorphous germanium layer a thin film; and a second metal electrode layer formed on the third transparent conductive film.