IP Library Granted Patent US 8,658,890
Granted Patent B2
US 8,658,890 · App. 12/704,413 · Granted Feb 25, 2014

Solar cell and method of manufacturing solar cell

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,658,890
App. No.
12/704,413
Granted
Feb 25, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A solar cell which can increase its open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor (F.F.), thereby enhancing its conversion efficiency is provided. The solar cell of the present invention comprises a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer, formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1): ZnO 1-x-y S x Se y   (1) where x≧0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65.

Claims (30)

1. A solar cell comprising:

a p-type semiconductor layer containing Cu(In 1-a , Ga a )Se 2 , where 0.5 ≦a≦0.8; and

an n-type semiconductor layer, formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1):

ZnO 1-x-y S x Se y   (1),

where x>0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65,

wherein

a CBM offset between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer ranges from 0 to +0.4 eV.

2. A method of manufacturing a solar cell, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a p-type semiconductor layer containing Cu(In 1-a , Ga a )Se 2 , where 0.5 ≦a≦0.8; and

forming an n-type semiconductor layer containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1) on the p-type semiconductor layer by vapor deposition in an atmosphere containing oxygen:

ZnO 1-x-y S x Se y   (1)

where x>0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65,

wherein

a CBM offset between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer ranges from 0 to +0.4 eV.

3. A method of manufacturing a solar cell, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a p-type semiconductor layer containing Cu(In 1-a , Ga a )Se 2 , where 0.5 ≦a≦0.8; and

forming an n-type semiconductor layer containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1) on the p-type semiconductor layer by sputtering in an atmosphere containing oxygen:

ZnO 1-x-y S x Se y   (1)

where x>0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65,

wherein

a CBM offset between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer ranges from 0 to +0.4 eV.

4. A method of manufacturing a solar cell, the method comprising the steps of:

forming a p-type semiconductor layer containing Cu(In 1-a , Ga a )Se 2 where 0.5 ≦a≦0.8;

forming a precursor layer containing Zn and Se and having an S content of 0 mol% or greater on the p-type semiconductor layer by sputtering; and

heating the precursor layer in an atmosphere containing oxygen, so as to form an n-type semiconductor layer containing a compound expressed by the following chemical formula (1) on the p-type semiconductor layer:

ZnO 1-x-y S x Se y   (1),

where x>0, y>0, and 0.2<x+y<0.65,

wherein

a CBM offset between the p-type semiconductor layer and the n-type semiconductor layer ranges from 0 to +0.4 eV.

5. The solar cell according to claim 1 , wherein the n-type semiconductor layer is a graded layer having a chemical composition that is modulated gradually.

Assignments (2)
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Recorded Jun 12, 2013
From: TDK CORPORATION
To: TDK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 030651/0687 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 23, 2010
From: AIDA, YASUHIRO; SUSUKIDA, MASATO
To: TDK CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 024127/0304 →