Tin Oxide Conductive Layer Doping for Solar Cell Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solar cells and other electronic devices face challenges in achieving optimal conductivity and light transmission through conductive oxide layers, which are essential for efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A conductive oxide layer doped with tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, or fluorine is used, specifically tin oxide doped with tungsten, in combination with a vapor deposition coater with a unique nozzle block design to enhance conductivity and light scattering, applied using a method that involves multiple precursor materials and deposition techniques to achieve high sheet resistance and low haze.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If haze is increased to trap light in the active region, then light trapping efficiency is improved, but light transmittance through the conductive oxide layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the conductive oxide layer by introducing dopants (tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, fluorine) to modify the material properties. This allows simultaneous optimization of conductivity, transmittance, and light trapping characteristics through controlled compositional changes rather than increasing haze alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite conductive oxide system by combining tin oxide with multiple dopant elements (tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, fluorine). This composite approach enables independent optimization of different functions: the base oxide provides conductivity while dopants control transmittance and light scattering properties separately
2Illumination intensity
If transparency of the conductive oxide layer is increased to permit maximum solar radiation, then light transmission is improved, but electron transfer capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrical and optical parameters independently through dopant selection. Tungsten and molybdenum dopants enhance conductivity for electron transfer, while fluorine dopants control transparency. This decoupling allows simultaneous optimization of both light transmission and electron transfer capability through controlled compositional changes
3Reliability
If conductivity of the conductive oxide layer is increased to facilitate electron transfer, then electron transfer capability is improved, but light transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite dopant system where tungsten and molybdenum provide conductivity enhancement for electron transfer, while fluorine provides transparency control. This multi-component composite approach allows independent tuning of electrical and optical properties that cannot be achieved with single dopant systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in improved conductivity and light transmission, leading to increased efficiency in solar cells and other electronic devices, with enhanced performance in trapping light and facilitating electron transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive oxide layer should be highly conductive to facilitate the transfer of electrons in the cell
Implementation Method 2
A vapor deposition coater comprises a plenum assembly comprising an inlet plenum and an exhaust plenum; and a nozzle block comprising a discharge face
Implementation Method 3
Light scattering or 'haze' is used to trap light in the active region of the cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a coated article includes forming a first coating over a first surface of a substrate; and forming a second coating over a second surface of the substrate. The second coating includes a first conductive layer including tin oxide and at least one material selected from the group consisting of tungsten, molybdenum, and niobium.