Breakthrough in rear-contact thin-film tin monosulfide solar cells resolves major limitation by introducing a nanometric layer of germanium oxide

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1110092

"non-toxic, low-cost, stable, less electrical loss... larger, more uniform grains enhances charge transport/ collection... at interface between molybdenum back contact/ thin-film absorber: unwanted chemical reactions/ unintended atomic movement, overcome using 7-nm thick germanium oxide interlayer created exploiting oxidation during vapor transport deposition... 4.81% (was 3.71) Power Conversion Efficiency... contact resistance: thin-film transistors; PCE: thermoelectric; performance: photodetector/ memory devices"