Palladium nanostructure incorporated cupric oxide thin film with strong optical absorption, compatible charge collection and low recombination loss for low cost solar cell applications

Incorporation of Pd nanoparticles significantly increases photo-generated charge collection efficiency and enhances optical absorption over the wide range of solar spectrum. Graded refractive index and step distribution of carrier concentration of Cu2O:N/CuO:N thin films reduce optical reflectance and build high potential into optical absorbing thin film. The Cu2O:N/CuO:N/CuO:Pd/CuO thin film increases charge collection efficiency and reduces recombination rates. Using this design, record high short circuit current density (Jsc) and efficiency (η) of around 29 mA cm-2 and 8.3 are achieved, respectively, for heterojunction solar cell using Cu2O:N/CuO:N/CuO:Pd/CuO thin film on titanium (Ti) passivated n-type silicon (Si) substrate257