In situ x-ray photoelectron emission analysis of the thermal stability of atomic layer deposited WOx as hole-selective contacts for Si solar cells

WOx is one of the most promising high work function materials to be used as hole-selective materials for c-Si solar cells. Apart from the optical and electrical properties of such materials, their thermal stability is of crucial importance for the potential application of these contacts. The thermal stability of plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposited WOx is investigated with and without an a-Si:H interface passivation layer. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy reveals that the as-deposited WOx films contain H resulting from the W precursor. In situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy under high vacuum in the 300 to 900 K temperature range shows that tungsten starts degrading from W+6 to W+5 for temperatures >600 K. The work function is found to be stable up to temperatures of 600 K. Subsequently, hydrogen diffusion from a-Si:H decreases the work function of WOx and enhances the degradation of tungsten's oxidation state. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms the reduction in the hydrogen...