Flexible high performance hybrid AZO/Ag-nanowire/AZO sandwich structured transparent conductors for flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cell applications

Wen Chi Tsai, Stuart R. Thomas, Cheng Hung Hsu, Yu Chen Huang, Jiun Yi Tseng, Tsung Ta Wu, Chia Ho Chang, Zhiming M. Wang, Jia Min Shieh, Chang Hong Shen, Yu Lun Chueh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report on the fabrication of a robust and flexible transparent electrode to replace costly and fragile indium tin oxide (ITO) used in flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 solar cells, composed of an aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO)/Ag-nanowires/aluminum doped zinc oxide (AZO) (AAA herein) sandwich structure. The Ag-NWs networks form low-resistance, long-range pathways throughout the electrode that are able to maintain efficient charge carrier collection and extraction after strenuous mechanical bending. The improved durability of the AAA electrode enables our CIGS solar cells to maintain ∼95% of their initial power conversion efficiency, following 1000 bending cycles. In comparison, devices fabricated using AZO and ITO electrodes are only able to maintain ∼57 and ∼5%, respectively, due to crack formation and delamination of the films. This AAA sandwich structure electrode could therefore serve as a high-performance electrode for numerous flexible optoelectronic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6980-6988
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A
Volume4
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Chemistry(all)
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Materials Science(all)

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