CISCuT––solar cells and modules on the basis of CuInS2 on Cu-tape

Winkler, Michael; Griesche, J.; Konovalov, I.; Penndorf, J.; Wienke, J.; Tober, O.

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2004.06.017

Cited by 31 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Most of these techniques were carried out using rigid substrates such as bilayer molybdenum (Mo) coated soda lime glass (SLG). However, the deposition of the CZTS absorber layer on flexible substrates may open a wide range of application areas for large area thin film solar cell fabrication [17]. Metallic foils, such as Cr-steels, titanium (Ti), Mo, aluminum and some alloys are promising flexible substrates because they are cheap, lightweight, durable, and resistant to high-temperature fabrication processes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber layer on flexible metallic substrates for thin film solar cell applications

et al. 2015

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In this work, Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) absorber layers were fabricated using a two-stage process. Sequentially deposited Cu-Zn-Sn thin film layers on metallic foils were annealed in an Ar + S 2(g) atmosphere. We aimed to investigate the role of flexible titanium and molybdenum foil substrates in the growth mechanism of CZTS thin films. The Raman spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of the sulfurized thin films revealed that, except for the presence of Sn-based secondary phases, nearly pure CZTS thin films were obtained. Additionally, the intense and sharp X-ray diffraction peak from the (112) plane provided evidence of good crystallinity. Electron dispersive spectroscopy analysis indicated sufficient sulfur content but poor Zn atomic weight percentage in the films. Absorption and band-gap energy analyses were carried out to confirm the suitability of CZTS thin films as the absorber layer in solar cell applications. Hall effect measurements showed the p-type semiconductor behavior of the CZTS samples. Moreover, the back contact behavior of these metallic flexible substrates was investigated and compared. We detected formation of cracks in the CZTS layer on the molybdenum foils, which indicates the incompatibility of molybdenum's thermal expansion coefficient with the CZTS structure. We demonstrated the application of the magnetron sputtering technique for the fabrication of CZTS thin films on titanium foils having lightweight, flexible properties and suitable for roll-to-roll manufacturing for high throughput fabrication. Titanium foils are also cost competitive compared to molybdenum foils.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber layer on flexible metallic substrates for thin film solar cell applications

et al. 2015

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“…Although still somewhat lower in efficiency than Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 , a robust process has been developed that allows [5]. To the best of our knowledge none of these techniques has reached solar cell efficiencies that are obtained by the sequential process that we apply [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although still somewhat lower in efficiency than Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 , a robust process has been developed that allows 1 rapid and reliable CuInS 2 device production. Different methods to prepare CuInS 2 are currently under investigation, such as metal organic decomposition (MOD) [2], evaporation from a CuInS 2 powder source [3], aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) [4] or CuInS 2 on Cu-tape (CISCuT) [5]. To the best of our knowledge none of these techniques has reached solar cell efficiencies that are obtained by the sequential process that we apply [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Progress in the development of CuInS2 based mini-modules

Klaer¹,

Schock²

2007

Thin Solid Films

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A sequential process is used to synthesise CuInS 2 absorber layers for photovoltaic application. In this process CuIn precursor layers sputtered on molybdenum coated float glass are converted to CuInS 2 via sulphurisation in an elemental sulphur vapour ambient. A re-evaluation of process parameters has been performed including fine tuning of numerous minor aspects. Using optimised process conditions has lead to improved device performance, especially a narrowed distribution at higher module efficiencies is achieved. At the same time the process yield is improved resulting in fewer devices with poor electrical quality.Keywords: CuInS 2 , thin film, solar cell, module, efficiency IntroductionBeside Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 a second thin film material from the chalcopyrite family, CuInS 2 , has recently been introduced into industrial production [1]. Although still somewhat lower in efficiency than Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 , a robust process has been developed that allows [5]. To the best of our knowledge none of these techniques has reached solar cell efficiencies that are obtained by the sequential process that we apply [6]. In this work we report on the optimisation of process parameters and the resulting progress in mini-module performance. ExperimentalFor the fabrication of CuInS 2 modules a sequential process is used [7,8,9]. In a first step copper and indium are sputtered on molybdenum coated soda lime float glass. In a second step these metallic precursor layers are converted to the CuInS 2 semiconductor by chemical reaction in elemental sulphur vapour at temperatures of 500 -600 °C. This step is performed by rapid thermal processing (RTP) which allows fast temperature ramp-up and short process times [6].Modules are completed by wet chemical removal of the secondary copper sulphide phase, chemical bath deposition of a CdS buffer-layer, and sputter deposition of a ZnO window layer. To achieve an integrated series connection of the solar cells to modules, three patterning steps are used, P1 after molybdenum deposition by laser, P2 after CdS deposition and P3 after ZnO sputtering, the latter two made by mechanical scribing.This CuInS 2 process is used to prepare single solar cells of 0.5 cm 2 or larger and minimodules on 5x5 or 10x10 cm 2 substrates having 7 or 13 integrated series connected cells, respectively. In this paper we will concentrate on the influence of process parameter variations on the performance of 5x5 cm 2 modules. Most of the correlations, however, apply to single cells in the same way. Results 2A number of process parameters have been evaluated on their impact on device performance. They will be discussed in the following sections. Precursor Cu/In atomic ratioOnly copper-rich precursors are used with our CuInS 2 process. This means that considering CuInS 2 stoichiometry there is excess copper compared to indium, which forms the secondary copper sulphide phase with sulphur that is used in excess, too.Afterwards this copper sulphide phase is removed by wet chemical etching, thereby accurately adjusting st...

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“…The evaporation method provided high quality thin films, but a high vacuum and high temperature process are necessary. Although CISCuT method is a productive process, it requires a high temperature process [32]. On the other hand, the present spin coating method is simpler compared to the other formation methods.…”

Section: Cuins 2 :C 60 Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 94%

Fabrication and Characterization of Fullerene-Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells with Porphyrin, CuInS2, Diamond and Exciton-Diffusion Blocking Layer

Oku¹,

Nagata²,

Noma³

et al. 2010

Energies

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Abstract:Fullerene-based bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated, and the electronic and optical properties were investigated. C 60 were used as n-type semiconductors, and porphyrin, CuInS 2 and diamond were used as p-type semiconductors. An effect of exciton-diffusion blocking layer of perylene derivative on the solar cells between active layer and metal layer was also investigated. Optimized structures with the exciton-diffusion blocking layer improved conversion efficiencies. Electronic structures of the molecules were investigated by molecular orbital calculation, and energy levels of the solar cells were discussed. Nanostructures of the solar cells were investigated by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and X-ray diffraction, which indicated formation of mixed nanocrystals.

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CISCuT––solar cells and modules on the basis of CuInS2 on Cu-tape

Cited by 31 publications

References 24 publications

Growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber layer on flexible metallic substrates for thin film solar cell applications

Growth of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber layer on flexible metallic substrates for thin film solar cell applications

Progress in the development of CuInS2 based mini-modules

Fabrication and Characterization of Fullerene-Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells with Porphyrin, CuInS2, Diamond and Exciton-Diffusion Blocking Layer

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