Enhanced power conversion efficiency of the polycrystalline solar cells using spinel MnFe2O4 nanoparticles as an ARC material

Abstract

The Spinel magnetic nanoparticles (MnFe2O4) were prepared by using the precursors Manganese Chloride (Mncl2) and Ferric Chloride (FeCl2) using co-precipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticles can be used as a suitable Antireflective coating (ARC) for increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of silicon solar cells. The prepared nanoparticles are deposited on the silicon solar cells using spin coating method. Single to quadruple layers of MnFe2O4 were coated. The prepared nanoparticles were confirmed by using characterization such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX). The XRD analysis reveals the formation of the spinel nanostructure for the synthesized MnFe2O4 nanoparticles. EDX analysis was used to check the elemental composition of the Mn, Fe and O in the samples. The crystal structure, particle size and lattice parameters were obtained by the XRD technique. The optical and electrical characterizations were done comprehensively to find out the performance of coated and uncoated solar cells. The surface morphology and the coating thickness were measured using the AFM technique.