Next generation photovoltaics, based on organic, inorganic or hybrid absorbers (such as perovskites), can be fabricated as thin, lightweight and flexible modules. This makes them attractive for integration in building façades and consumer products. These technologies rely on substrates coated with a transparent electrode. Despite its high cost, poor mechanical stability and limited applicability as cathode, in flexible modules, ITO-coated (ITO: indium tin oxide) PET is by far the most common.
NEXT-FOIL develops an alternative to ITO-coated PET, based on dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) multilayers, sputtered at industry-compatible deposition rates. As dielectrics, single and mixed oxides will be used with largely different electronic properties to fit specific device energetics. Combined with Cu and Ag metals optimal performance/cost ratio is obtained. DMDs deliver: lower cost than ITO; sheet resistance <10Ω/sq without need of substrate heating during deposition or post-processing; stability of the resistance against bending; adaptability for use as cathode or anode in devices. The competitive edge of the DMD-based foils will be demonstrated with the fabrication of efficient hybrid perovskite modules.
A complementary consortium has been gathered to realize the project. AIT will tackle design, simulation and experimental realization of the DMDs, PLANSEE will develop the sputter targets of the new compounds and SOLARONIX will implement the developed electrodes in efficient perovskite cells and modules. Selected electrodes will be deposited in a roll-to-roll process.
Projekt manager: Dr Theodoros Dimopoulos
