Researchers Achieve Record 23.64% Efficiency for CIGS Solar Cells Through Novel Silver Alloying Approach
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Researchers achieved a new record efficiency of 23.64% for copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells using high-concentration silver alloying and steep back-contact gallium grading techniques.
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They drew inspiration from previous research on silver alloying of CIGS and implementing heavy alkali species into absorber materials.
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Combining multiple approaches allowed them to improve the CIGS microstructure, reduce defects, mitigate band gap fluctuations, passivate surfaces, and increase doping density.
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Their solar cell had high external radiative efficiency of 1.6% and low open-circuit voltage deficit, with efficiency externally certified.
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The efficiency boost demonstrates the potential for further advances in CIGS solar cells, perhaps beyond 25% efficiency by mitigating losses and reducing defect density.