Advancement and Challenges for Schottkey Barrier MIS/SIS Solar Cells: A Review

The conventional solar cell fabrication requires a very high thermal budget. SIS (semiconductor–insulator–semiconductor)/MIS (metal–insulator–semiconductor) Schottkey barrier solar cell technology cut down the thermal budget with much less energy dissipation to fabricate. Schottky barrier solar cells are a promising alternative to conventionally fabricated solar cells. Diffusion process used in conventional fabrication is high temperature and sophisticated process with high thermal budget. With the motive to overcome this problem, Schottky barrier solar cells were fabricated with low temperature and less cost back in 1970s. From that time investigation is going on suitable material, optimum structure of Schottky barrier cells. In this paper, different aspect of Schottky barrier solar cells prior to performance enhancement are discussed with significant research outcome from the researchers in chronological order. From the studies, it is found that work function difference between base semiconductor and Metal/TCO (transparent conducting oxides) layer, Interfacial layer thickness are the key parameters of these cells. With advanced technology and materials like BSF (back surface field). Surface texturing, carrier selective contacts, advanced deposition process, etc. cell performance can be enhanced further.