A novel and simple synthesis of the absorber layer is indispensable in order to reduce the cost and processing of quantum solar cells. In this work, we developed novel Cu 2 CoSnS 4 -carbon quantum dot (CCTS:CQD) nano-composite as an absorbing material for solar cell applications. CCTS:CQD nano-composites were prepared by direct pyrolysis of CCTS precursors and citric acid. The proportions of citric acid precursor to CCTS were varied from 0.1 to 0.7. The properties of the synthesized nano-composite were studied using a UV-vis spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 300-900 nm. CCTS:CQD has a property of dynamic photoluminescence that depends on the excitation wavelength. The results of the x-ray diffraction revealed that the CCTS:CQD nano-composites were predominantly polycrystalline in nature. The formation of CCTS:CQD was confirmed by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), which exhibits the size ∼3 nm. The thin films of CCTS:CQD nanocomposites were deposited on glass/ITO substrates by spray pyrolysis technique at 170 °C. Current-voltage (I-V ) measurements carried out in dark and light conditions revealed CCTS: CQD thin films with good photo-response. The purpose of the present study is to develop CCTS: CQD nano-composite p-type absorber layer suitable for thin film solar cells.
Recent progress in third generation solar cells has lead to significant improvement in device efficiency at laboratory conditions. Glass as a substrate plays a major role in superstrate configuration where maximum light is directed towards active layer which increases photo‐carrier generation. In this work, we focus on improving the glass transmittance by creating microstructures using simple, low cost and environmental friendly technique of hydrothermal wet etching. The glass etching was performed by ultrapure water as etchant. The influence of etching parameters viz., temperature (90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 °C) and time (1, 5, 10 and 15 hrs) on optical transmittance, microstructure, and surface roughness has been systematically studied. At optimal etching conditions, an increase in transmittance up to 93.5% in the range of 375–820 nm was observed in comparison to un‐etched glass. Preferential leaching of Na+ is found to be more pronounced phenomena at optimal condition leading to improvement in optical transmittance which is explained by glass‐water interaction. Based on the proposed mechanism, hydrothermal etching of glass with water enhances the light trapping in broad wavelength and can be used as cover glass in superstrate solar cells comprised of tunable band gaps. The silicon solar cell covered with optimized etched glass showed a relative increase of ∼2.2% in power conversion efficiency as compared to a solar cell covered with an un‐etched glass.
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