Thin-film polycrystalline photovoltaics like CdTe possess high power-conversion efficiency, but still suffer from low open-circuit voltage V_O00exC. Grain boundaries are believed to reduce V_O00exC, yet a precise understanding of their impact on device performance is lacking. The authors derive analytic expressions for V_O00exC in terms of grain-boundary and material parameters for various grain-boundary defect configurations, and verify their results against numerical simulations. Their insight should assist in optimizing the defect chemistry of grain boundaries and mitigating their impact on V_O00exC, on the way to a solar-powered future.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
A 2017 study studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: