DGIST team sheds light on mechanisms enhancing efficiency in thin-film solar cells

DGIST team sheds light on mechanisms enhancing efficiency in thin-film solar cells

by Riko Seibo

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) May 08, 2024

Researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), in collaboration with academics from Ewha Womans University, Incheon National University, and MIT, have made significant progress in understanding electron-hole separation in kesterite thin-film solar cells. This discovery is poised to enhance solar cell efficiency and support the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity and are viewed as vital to future energy solutions due to their environmental benefits and unlimited raw material-the sun. Kesterite thin-film solar cells, composed of copper, zinc, and tin, offer a cost-effective solution. However, their efficiency has been limited.

The team’s study focused on the mechanisms of electron and hole separation within the light-absorbing layers of these cells. They utilized scanning probe microscopy to examine how these separations occur, particularly at the interfaces between crystals, which is critical for improving performance.

“The energy level at the crystal interface is higher, which significantly influences how electrons behave within the cell. This insight is crucial for developing more efficient solar panels,” explained Senior Researcher Kee-jeong Yang. He noted the importance of creating uniform light-absorbing layers and the potential of elemental doping to enhance this process.

The findings also underscore the broader applicability of their atomic force microscopy techniques, offering new methods to study carrier behaviors not only in solar cells but in other technologies as well.

This research is supported by various South Korean government initiatives aimed at advancing carbon-neutral technology and was recently highlighted in the renowned energy journal, Carbon Energy.