The successful large-scale deployment of photovoltaic technology hinges on the development of earth-abundant and low-cost materials that offer comparable efficiencies and stabilities to silicon-based technologies.  In thin-film solar cells, the transparent contact between the absorber and substrate (or absorber and encapsulant) must be designed for high-performance and correct optoelectronic properties.  Zinc oxides and zinc sulfides are particularly promising materials for this application. We will present our recent results on doped and alloyed materials that exhibit p-type behavior.  We first show our calculations on alloyed nickel zinc oxide, in the inverse spinel structure, which demonstrates outstanding electrical transport and optical properties.  We then show the similarities and differences in optoelectronic properties when the host material is doped versus alloyed, using examples from cationic and anionic doping of zinc sulfides.  Finally, we validate our computational predictions on radio frequency magnetron sputtered zinc oxide films.  Our integrated theoretical and experimental approach allows for probing of structure property relationships at the nanoscale, and facilitates materials design for sustainable photovoltaics.

Rational design of transparent conductors for use in low-cost, thin-film solar cells

247th National Meeting (2014)

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