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The paper presents the results of research on the surface topography and electrical properties of ITO thin films deposited by PVD for applications in silicon photovoltaic cells. The surface condition and chemical composition were characterized using a scanning electron microscope and the thickness and optical constants were measured using a spectroscopic ellipsometer. To compare the impact of the preparation process on the properties of layers, deposition was carried out at three different temperatures: 25, 200, and 400°C. As the temperature increased, the surface roughness changed, which correlated with the results of structural tests. The crystallite size increased from 11 to 46 nm. This, in turn, reduced the surface resistance. The electrical properties were measured using a four-point probe method and then the prepared solar cells containing ITO thin films in their structure were examined. By controlling the deposition parameters, the surface resistance of the deposited layer (26 Ohm/2) and the efficiency of the prepared solar cells (18.91%) were optimized. Currently, ITO has the best properties for use in optoelectronics and photovoltaics among the known TCO layers. The magnetron sputtering method is widely used in many industries. Therefore, the authors predict that TCO layers can replace currently used antireflection layers and reduce the number and dimensions of front metal contacts in solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), materials classified as Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCOs) have the capacity to conduct electricity and transmit light at the same time. Their exceptional blend of optical transparency and electrical conductivity makes them popular choices for transparent electrodes in DSSCs. Fluorine Tin Oxide (FTO) was utilized in this experiment. The optical and electrical characteristics of TCOs may be negatively impacted by their frequent exposure to hostile environments and potential for deterioration. TCOs are coated with passivating layers to increase their performance, stability, and defense against environmental elements including oxygen, moisture, and chemical pollutants. Because of its superior dielectric qualities, strong chemical stability, and suitability with TCO materials, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) was utilized as a passivating layer for the FTO. In this research work, Al2O3 was deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form thin mesoporous layers as a passivator in the photoanode (working electrode). The work focuses on finding an appropriate thickness of Al2O3 for optimum performance of the dye-sensitized solar cells. The solar simulation and sheet resistance analysis clearly showed 200 cycles of Al2O3 to exhibit an efficiency of 4.31%, which was the most efficient performance. The surface morphology and topography of all samples were discussed and analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and its alloys are attractive temporary implants due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Moreover, Mg has good mechanical and osteoinductive properties. But magnesium and Mg alloys have one significant disadvantage: poor corrosion resistance in a physiological environment. Hence, a deposition of various layers on the surface of Mg alloys seems to be a good idea. The purpose of the article is to analyze the structure and morphology of two MgCa2Zn1 and MgCa2Zn1Gd3 alloys coated by SnO2 ALD (atomic layer deposition) films of various thickness. The studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and an X-ray diffractometer. The corrosion activity of the thin films and substrate alloys in a chloride-rich Ringer's solution at 37 °C was also observed. The corrosion tests that include electrochemical, immersion measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were evaluated. The results indicated that SnO2 had a heterogeneous crystal structure. The surfaces of the thin films were rough with visible pores. The corrosion resistance of SnO2 measured in all corrosion tests was higher for the thicker films. The observations of corrosion products after immersion tests indicated that they were lamellar-shaped and mainly contained Mg, O, Ca, and Cl in a lower concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]