Graphene transparent electrode for thin-film solar cells

Abstract

Transparent electrode is a key component in the multi-junction solar cells, working as window and intermediate electrodes. It requires high transparency for wide range and suitable electrical junctions. Graphene, a single atomic layer of sp2 graphitic carbon, is one of alternative materials. We demonstrated a-Si thin film solar cells with high-quality graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The graphene-cell showed higher open-circuit voltage compared with conventional transparent conductive oxide. It might be a contribution of lower Schottky barrier at graphene/p-layer interface. Our experimental results demonstrated a high potential of graphene transparent electrode not only for a-Si solar cells but also for multi-junction solar cells.