Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells from electroplated precursors: Novel low-cost perspective

Abstract:An easy method to obtain kesterite Cu2ZnSn(Se1-x,Sx)4 (CZTSSe) solid solution as an absorber for thin film photovoltaic solar cells is discussed in this report. Particular emphasis is directed toward the procedure´s steps of the CZTSSe preparation, as well as its structure and properties. For the preparation of CZTSSe an easy, low-cost and sustainable aqueous precipitation method that included chemical transformations of metal selenite precipitate, its reduction to metal selenides and further crystallization of kesterite, is applied. This procedure is more viable as avoids the use of selenization treatment and thus generation of toxic vapors and employs water as a solvent instead of organic compounds. In addition, the proposed procedure is very attractive way of preparation for industrial large-scale fabrication of the most promising absorber candidates for photovoltaic thin film solar cells.Kesterite CZTSSe solid solution has been prepared and characterized in terms of chemical composition, structural and morphological transformations, as well as optical and electrical properties, confirming the viability and effectiveness of the applied process.The optimal electrical parameters obtained of the device are 21.5 mA/cm2, 532 mV, 42.8%., and 4.9% to short circuit current (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (Eff.) respectively. Detailed description of each procedure steps and full characterization of the products, starting from as-prepared, intermediate and final compound is also exposed that could be very useful for any experimental scientist.2

show abstract

“…44,45 ). Separately, 10 mmol SeO2 was dissolved in 50 mL of distilled water, and after both solutions were mixed.…”

Section: Synthesis Of Precursorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Easy and low-cost aqueous precipitation method to obtain Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 thin layers

Martí

Lyubenova

Roures

et al. 2017

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[16][17][18] In combination with energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry, EBSD enables unambiguous identification of secondary phases in CuInS 2 19 and in Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 . 20 Correct indexing of the local orientations is an issue for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 and Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 thin films with tetragonal crystal structures and (for certain compositions) ratios of the lattice constants c/a, which are very close to 2. It has been shown 21 that revealing the pseudosymmetry is possible in cases for which the deviation of c/a from 2 is not larger than about 2%.…”

Section: Ebsd Data From Thin-film Solar Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electron Backscatter Diffraction: An Important Tool for Analyses of Structure–Property Relationships in Thin-Film Solar Cells

Abou‐Ras

Kavalakkatt

Nichterwitz

et al. 2013

JOM

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The present work gives an overview of the application of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in the field of thin-film solar cells, which consist of stacks of polycrystalline layers on various rigid or flexible substrates. EBSD provides access to grain-size and local-orientation distributions, film textures, and grain-boundary types. By evaluation of the EBSD patterns within individual grains of the polycrystalline solar cell layers, microstrain distributions also can be obtained. These microstructural properties are of considerable interest for research and development of thin-film solar cells. Moreover, EBSD may be performed three-dimensionally, by alternating slicing of cross sections in a focused ion-beam machine and EBSD acquisition. To relate the microstructural properties to the electrical properties of individual layers as well as to the device performances of corresponding solar cells, EBSD can be combined with electron-beam-induced current and cathodoluminescence measurements and with various scanning-probe microscopy methods such as Kelvin-probe force, scanning spreading resistance, or scanning capacitance microscopy on identical specimen positions. Together with standard device characterization of thin-film solar cells, these scanning microscopy measurements provide the means for extensive analysis of structure-property relationships in solar-cell stacks with polycrystalline layers.

show abstract

“…This observation was attributed to an incomplete formation of CZTS. Other groups [9,21] used a similar growth procedure and found indications of Cu-Sn-S formation at the CZTS/Mo interface by EDX and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. However, it has not yet been clarified whether Cu-Sn-S formation is due to an incomplete sulfurization of the metal stacks or due to decomposition of the CZTS compound at the interface with the Mo back contact [22,23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Formation of nanometer-sized Cu-Sn-Se particles in Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin-films and their effect on solar cell efficiency

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells from electroplated precursors: Novel low-cost perspective

Cited by 415 publications

References 6 publications

Easy and low-cost aqueous precipitation method to obtain Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 thin layers

Easy and low-cost aqueous precipitation method to obtain Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 thin layers

Electron Backscatter Diffraction: An Important Tool for Analyses of Structure–Property Relationships in Thin-Film Solar Cells

Formation of nanometer-sized Cu-Sn-Se particles in Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin-films and their effect on solar cell efficiency

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About