Journal Article

FZJ-2026-02068

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Passivating pinholes for large-area and high-efficiency silicon solar cells with tunnel oxide passivated contact

Zhang, W. ; Zhang, K. ; Bai, Y. ; Zhang, Y. ; Yang, K. ; Chen, B.FZJ* ; Yang, X. ; Li, J. ; Sun, Y. ; Wu, Y. ; Li, l. ; Zhang, X. ; Gao, Q. ; Ren, Y. ; Guo, J. ; Zhang, L. ; Yang, D. ; Chen, J. ; Chang, X. ; Liu, Y. (Corresponding author)FZJ* ; San, X. (Corresponding author) ; Song, D. (Corresponding author) ; Chen, J. (Corresponding author)

2026
Springer Nature [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41467-026-70511-2  doi:10.34734/FZJ-2026-02068

Abstract: The tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell is poised to dominate silicon photovoltaics, yet the atomic-scale nature of pinholes—local disruptions in the SiOx layer enabling direct conduction—remains unresolved despite its critical importance for device performance. Here, using spherical aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, the TOPCon interface is uncovered at the atomic level, revealing two distinct pinhole types: recombinational pinholes with oxygen-depleted Si–Si contacts, and previously unknown passivating pinholes that retain sufficient oxygen to passivate dangling bonds while enabling carrier tunneling. These passivating pinholes exhibit cross-sectional sizes of approximately 1.6 ± 0.2 nm × 1.4 ± 0.3 nm and an area density of 2×1012 cm-2. Fischer model analysis demonstrates that pinhole passivation, not geometry, governs device performance. Translating these insights, industrial large-area (333.3 cm2) TOPCon solar cells achieve certified efficiencies of 25.40% and open-circuit voltages of 738.7 mV. Our findings provide atomic-level insights into the TOPCon interface and offer direct guidance for fabricating high-efficiency solar cells.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Photovoltaik (IMD-3)

Research Program(s):

1. 1213 - Cell Design and Development (POF4-121) (POF4-121)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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