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Next-Generation Transparent Conducting Oxides for Photovoltaic Cells: an Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

David Ginley ,
Tim Coutts ,
John Perkins ,
David Young ,
Xiaonan Li  and
Phil Parilla
David Ginley
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Tim Coutts
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
John Perkins
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
David Young
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Xiaonan Li
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
Phil Parilla
Affiliation:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO; Renaud Stauber, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; Dennis Readey, Chris Duncan, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
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Abstract

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are becoming a more critical element in thin-film photovoltaic devices. In the continued drive to increase efficiency and stability while reducing cost and optimizing performance, the optical, electrical, and materials properties of TCOs gain increasing importance. TCOs can perform a variety of important functions, including contacts, antireflection coatings, and chemical barriers. In this paper, we will review some of the current advances in the field of transparent conductors and, where possible, will relate these advances to thin-film photovoltaic devices. Highlights will be on the rapidly growing collection of new n- and p-type materials; the implications of these materials on PV have not been fully assessed.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 668: Symposium H – II-IV Compound Semiconductor Photovoltaic Materials , 2001 , H2.7
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2001

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