Progress in TOPCon solar cell technology: Investigating hafnium oxide through simulation

Rahman R.U.; Khokhar M.Q.; Hussain S.Q.; Mehmood H.; Yousuf H.; Jony J.A.; Park S.; Yi J.

doi:10.1016/j.cap.2024.04.001

Article

Curr. Appl. Phys. 2024; 63: 96-104

Published online July 31, 2024 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cap.2024.04.001

Progress in TOPCon solar cell technology: Investigating hafnium oxide through simulation

Rahman R.U.; Khokhar M.Q.; Hussain S.Q.; Mehmood H.; Yousuf H.; Jony J.A.; Park S.; Yi J.

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, 16419, South Korea; STEM School of Engineering, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, 3000, Australia; Department of Physics, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; Department of Electrical Engineering, Information Technology University of the Punjab (ITU), Lahore, Pakistan; Interdisciplinary Program in Photovoltaic System Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, 16419, South Korea; Research Institute for Clean Energy, College of Information and Communication Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Gyeonggi-do, Suwon, 16419, South Korea

Abstract

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Abstract

In the realm of solar energy technology, exploring hafnium oxide (HfO2) in Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cells is pivotal. This study delineates HfO2's evolution from semiconductor applications, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing TOPCon solar cell performance. Utilizing ATLAS Silvaco software, the study anticipates a 21.3% increase in charge carrier lifetime through optimized HfO2 layers, addressing challenges in interface engineering and scalability. Innovative research integrates hafnium oxide (HfO2) into TOPCon solar cells, marking a leap in photovoltaic technology. Utilizing ATLAS Silvaco simulations, it shows that HfO2 layers can significantly enhance cell performance, increasing charge carrier lifetime by 21.3% and potentially boosting efficiency by 25%. This underscores HfO2's advantages, like a higher dielectric constant and thermal stability, in improving solar cell efficiency and durability. Future efforts target refining deposition processes, projecting a 25% boost in overall power conversion efficiency (PCE). Emphasizing HfO2's significance in solar cell technology, this research contributes to global sustainable energy initiatives. Integrating HfO2 in TOPCon solar cells signifies a key achievement in harnessing clean, renewable energy. Upcoming research focuses on experimental validation, interface engineering, optimization, stability assessments, scalability, and collaborative studies, aiming to leverage HfO2's potential for elevating solar energy conversion technologies. © 2024

Keywords: ATLAS silvaco software simulations, Charge carrier lifetime, Hafnium oxide, Solar cell efficiency, TOPCon solar cells