Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Film MLAs Built on the Silicon Solar Cells to Improve the Photoelectric Conversion Efficiency

Abstract

Light trapping micro-nano structures have been widely used to optimize the function of solar cell devices, especially microlens arrays (MLAs). In this article, we first prepared composite films by using sol-gel technology and the spin coating method, and then constructed heteromorphic MLAs on the surface of the composite films by using thermal reflow and UV nanoimprint technology; the substrate used was the silicon solar cell. Finally, the performance of the cells was improved. Optical transmission properties and surface morphology of the organic–inorganic hybrid films were detected by using a UV-Vis spectrometer and atomic force microscopy, respectively; it was revealed that the hybrid films had relatively excellent optical transmission performance in the visible light range. Surface structure of the hybrid film MLAs were detected by using SEM. At the same time, the optical imaging capabilities of MLAs were studied by using optical microscopy. Besides, the contact angles of the MLAs were also measured. It can be clearly seen that the prepared MLAs have a regular arrangement, clean appearance, and good imaging capabilities (from the actual test results). Finally, the various parameters of the silicon solar cells with hybrid film MLAs were studied. In addition, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) values increased by about 10.48% for the silicon solar cell with circular MLAs, compared to the silicon solar cell without a structure. The results show a concise and effective method to prepare organic–inorganic hybrid film MLAs on silicon solar cells, with significant improvement in photoelectric conversion efficiency.