Princeton
Docket No. 09-2565/2664-1
Researchers at Princeton have developed a new method of fabrication of silicon
solar cells that enhances efficiency. Princeton is currently seeking an
industrial partner to commercialize this technology.
Minority carrier
recombination at silicon surfaces and metal contacts greatly reduces the
efficiency of photovoltaic devices. Princeton has demonstrated the use of
an organic compound and method that provides a novel
way to passivate the defects at silicon surfaces. The method does not use
any exotic materials and employs known laboratory methods.
It is
anticipated that this process will provide a route for low-cost passivation of a
silicon surface, as well as a route towards wide-bandgap heterojunction on
silicon and wide-band contacts, and a low cost high quality p-n junction on
silicon.
Patent protection is pending.