Record-high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency based on a monolithic all-silicon triple junction IBC solar cell

摘要

We present a record-high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (STH) for monolithic all-silicon multi-junction solar devices. The device is based on an interdigitated back-contact silicon solar cell, in which the p- and n-regions are connected in a combination of series and parallel contacts, in order to triple the photovoltage compared to a single-junction cell. Our best device provides an open-circuit voltage of 1.99 V, larger than the water redox potential of 1.23 V plus overpotentials at the electrodes, as well as a short-circuit current density of 12.6 mA/cm(2). Coupled to a sulphuric acid electrolysis system, with platinum and ruthenium dioxide electrodes, our device shows an STH of 14.5% at 1.63 V.