Approach to Transparent Photovoltaics Based on Wide Band Gap Sb₂S₃ Absorber Layers and Optics-Based Device Optimization

Abstract

Numerous methods have been employed for utilizing inorganic thin films to improve the stability of transparent photovoltaics (TPVs). However, the use of these methods was restricted due to limitations involving restricted physical dimensions, complex fabrication processes, visible transparency, and photovoltaic performance. In this study, a novel approach to novel TPVs based on wide band gap inorganic thin-film solar cell devices was first proposed. This approach was based on an Sb2S3 thin-film absorber and the optical optimization of a planar-type solar cell device structure. High-quality and uniformly thick Sb2S3 thin films were deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD) to produce a high-quality transparent absorber layer for a planar-type transparent thin-film solar cell. To maintain the light transmittance of ALD-Sb2S3 solar cell devices, a flat indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate, a low-temperature-processed ALD TiO2 electron-transport layer (ETL), and an ultrathin Au top electrode were systematically combined with the transparent ALD-Sb2S3 absorber layer. The transparent ALD-Sb2S3 solar cell device showed a power conversion efficiency of 3.44% and an average light transmittance of 13%. These results proposed the technological possibility of using novel inorganic transparent Sb2S3 solar cell devices for transparent applications, such as self-powered transparent displays, high-efficiency tandem solar cells, robust bifacial solar cells, and so on.

MXene-Integrated Metal Oxide Transparent Photovoltaics and Self-Powered Photodetectors

“…Wide-bandgap inorganic materials have recently piqued the interest of the TPVD research community because they are nontoxic, low cost, and chemically stable. Substantial effort has been expended on exploring the use of these materials for TPVDs, with encouraging results. − In addition to optimizing photoactive materials, the charge collecting layer is a critical issue to completely utilize the function of TPVDs. Indium tin oxide (ITO) is commonly used as a transparent conducting layer for TPVDs; however, ITO is costly and can be a burden on the environment.…”

CuSCN as a hole transport layer in an inorganic solution-processed planar Sb2S3solar cell, enabling carbon-based and semitransparent photovoltaics

“…Carbon top electrode further improved the PCE to 1.95%. Moreover, with this combination of non-toxic inorganic TiO 2 and CuSCN as ETL and HTL, respectively, a promising ST-Sb 2 S 3 is demonstrated, achieving an AVT of 26.7% and PCE of 1.65% (LUE=0.45), at par with the highest reported LUEs using an organic HTL layer (LUE= 0.45 was reported by Lee et al 24 using organic P3HT as HTL).…”

“…Nevertheless, planar solar cells have several other comparative advantages that make them more attractive-realizations of semitransparent photovoltaics, simpler and scalable fabrication, and flexible substrate compatibility. [24][25][26][27][28] Several organic and inorganic hole transport layers (HTLs) have been applied in Sb 2 S 3 absorber based solar cells, including 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirofluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD), poly(2,6-(4,4-bis-(2 Ethylhexyl)-4Hcyclopenta[2,1-b;3,4-b′]dithiophene)-alt-4,7(2,1,3benzothiadiazole) PCPDTB, P3HT, copper thiocyanate (CuSCN), copper iodide (CuI), nickel oxide NiO x , and vanadium oxide (V 2 O 5 ). [29][30][31][32][33] Organic HTLs suffer from inherent chemical and thermal instability.…”

MoS2-based absorbers with whole visible spectrum coverage and high efficiency

“…Higher efficiencies of optoelectronic components are directly related to the amount of light which is absorbed in them. Photovoltaic cells, photodetectors, and modulators are few examples of these components which are widely used in the field of green energy production and telecommunication 1 – 3 . Apart from the absorption quantity, the absorption bandwidth is also a deterministic parameter in absorbers, especially in photovoltaic applications within the visible range 4 , 5 .…”