Abstract
This study investigates the potential of 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) coated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (FOTS + TiO2) to protect silicon solar cells from UV radiation damage. UV induced damages significantly reduces efficiency and lifespan, and causes environmental issues such as corrosion and water ingress. FOTS + TiO2 layers were applied onto sheets of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) using a cost-effective dip-coating process. We prepared PV mini-devices with single, double, and triple coatings by dipping the EVA sheets multiple times in a solution of isooctane and FOTS + TiO2, with intervals of a few minutes between dips. The characteristics and integrity of the FOTS + TiO2 nanoparticles and their coatings on EVA substrates were analyzed using advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. Our investigation revealed that a single dip coating of FOTS + TiO2 effectively covered the surface, while double and triple coatings led to agglomeration. The presence of TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced UV radiation absorption, reducing the transmission of UV radiation to the solar cells. The PV mini-devices were tested using both standard and accelerated solar simulators. The application of FOTS + TiO2 coatings demonstrated promising stability improvements, with single and double-coated PV mini-devices showing stability increases of 34 % and 29 %, respectively. Notably, the use of FOTS + TiO2 coatings extended the durability of the solar cells from 4.1 years to 5.6 years (minimum). These findings suggest that FOTS + TiO2 coatings offer a cost-effective and efficient method for enhancing the stability, fill factor, and longevity of silicon solar cells.
Published Version
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