Enhancement of Open-circuit Voltage Using CF4 Plasma Treatment on Nitric Acid Oxides

Surface passivation of solar cells is investigated using CF
₄
plasma treatment on low-temperature oxides to enhance the open-circuit voltage of the solar cells. Low-temperature oxides grown by a nitric acid solution are treated with the CF
₄
plasma. Solar cells undergoing this scheme show an improved performance, including low-saturation current density and good quantum efficiency at short wavelengths. Experimental results demonstrate that the CF
₄
plasma pretreatment on low-temperature oxides can significantly improve the open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and fill factor for silicon wafer-based solar cells. This technique is very promising for in-line solar cell manufacturing.