Publications by authors named "Luana Mazzarella"
Due to the unique microstructure of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc-SiO:H), the optoelectronic properties of this material can be tuned over a wide range, which makes it adaptable to different solar cell applications. In this work, the authors review the material properties of nc-SiO:H and the versatility of its applications in different types of solar cells. The review starts by introducing the growth principle of doped nc-SiO:H layers, the effect of oxygen content on the material properties, and the relationship between optoelectronic properties and its microstructure.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFImpact of the Current on Reverse Bias Degradation of Perovskite Solar Cells.
ACS Appl Energy Mater
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- Partial shading in photovoltaic modules can result in unequal current generation, causing perovskite solar cells to operate in reverse bias and leading to significant efficiency loss.
- A study was conducted applying various small reverse biases for different durations to understand the degradation effects on these cells.
- The findings indicate that the reverse bias current and degradation rates display similar patterns when voltages are normalized, suggesting potential degradation mechanisms and methods to better compare performance across different perovskite solar cells.
The preferential orientation of the perovskite (PVK) is typically accomplished by manipulation of the mixed cation/halide composition of the solution used for wet processing. However, for PVKs grown by thermal evaporation, this has been rarely addressed. It is unclear how variation in crystal orientation affects the optoelectronic properties of thermally evaporated films, including the charge carrier mobility, lifetime, and trap densities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Monolithic tandem solar cells combining perovskite and silicon heterojunction (SHJ) technology have reached efficiencies over 30%, showcasing significant advancements in solar energy research.
- The study focuses on enhancing SHJ bottom-cells with engineered a-Si:H passivating layers and various interfacial layers to achieve a high minority carrier lifetime of 16.9 ms.
- Light management techniques through optical simulation reveal that using specific layers can minimize reflection at the perovskite and SHJ interfaces, resulting in tandem efficiencies soaring to 24.6%, showing great potential for future solar cell designs.
High-Mobility Hydrogenated Fluorine-Doped Indium Oxide Film for Passivating Contacts c-Si Solar Cells.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces
December 2019
Broadband transparent conductive oxide layers with high electron mobility () are essential to further enhance crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell performances. Although metallic cation-doped InO thin films with high (>60 cm V s) have been extensively investigated, the research regarding anion doping is still under development. In particular, fluorine-doped indium oxide (IFO) shows promising optoelectrical properties; however, they have not been tested on c-Si solar cells with passivating contacts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Researchers conducted optical simulations using hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon oxide (nc-SiO:H) as a n-doped layer in tandem solar cells combining perovskite and crystalline silicon (c-Si).
- The adjustable refractive index of nc-SiO:H (ranging from 2.0 to 2.7) and its thickness play a crucial role in optimizing infrared light absorption in the c-Si cell while reducing reflection losses.
- Optimized configurations, particularly with a 90 nm nc-SiO:H layer and a refractive index of 2.7, achieved photocurrent densities exceeding 19 mA/cm² for flat surfaces and over 20 mA/cm² for textured surfaces.