Simulation of Boosting Efficiency of GaAs Absorption Layers with KNbO 3 Scatterers for Solar Cells

Lin Zhou, Yihua Wu, Xiaoning Liu, Jiajia Quan, Zhijie Bi, Feng Yuan () and Yong Wan ()
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Lin Zhou: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Yihua Wu: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
Xiaoning Liu: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Jiajia Quan: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Zhijie Bi: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Feng Yuan: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China
Yong Wan: College of Physics, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-17

Abstract: In this work, gallium arsenide (GaAs), which has an adjustable band gap and low cost, was adopted as an absorption layer in which KNbO 3 , having good dielectric, photoelectric, and piezoelectric properties, served as a scattering element for the improvement in absorption efficiency of solar cells. Benefited by the high absorption efficiency of KNbO 3 , the utilization of the ultraviolet and infrared bands for solar cells can be strengthened. In addition, the ferroelectric and photovoltaic characteristics of KNbO 3 enable the realization of decreased thickness of solar cells. Based on the simulation of the shape, width, and period of the scattering element, the effect of the thickness of the scattering element on the absorption efficiency, quantum efficiency, and total efficiency of absorption efficiency was comprehensively simulated. The results show that the absorption layer delivers the optimal performance when using a hexagonal KNbO 3 scattering element. The absorption efficiency of the GaAs absorption layer with KNbO 3 as the scattering element is increased by 28.42% compared with that of a GaAs absorption layer with empty holes. In addition, the quantum efficiency is maintained above 98% and the total efficiency is 91.59%. At the same time, the efficiency of such an absorption layer is still above 90% when the angle ranges from 0 to 70°. This work provides theoretical guidance for the rational design of solar cells based on photonic crystal structures.

Keywords: KNbO 3; GaAs; solar cells; absorption efficiency; quantum efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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