Efficient Sb₂(S,Se)₃ Solar Modules Enabled by Hydrothermal Deposition

Abstract

Antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) is a promising solar absorber due to the excellent stability and suitable photovoltaic parameters. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) has overcome 10% in lab scale. In terms of practical applications, the efficiency should be further improved and the suitable scalable fabrication approach should also be established. Herein, a large‐area fabrication of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cell by hydrothermal deposition is demonstrated. It is found that this approach is able to generate Sb2(S,Se)3 film with high uniformity with regard to both the chemical composition and surface morphology. Taking advantage of laser scribing technology, series connected antimony selenosulfide monolithic integrated photovoltaic modules are obtained. The prepared solar cell achieved PCE of 7.43%, with an active area of 15.66 cm2, which is the highest efficiency at module scale. A convenient approach for the fabrication of large‐area series‐connected Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells is offered.

A Perspective of Antimony Chalcogenide Photovoltaics toward Commercialization

“…Recently, large-area Sb 2 X 3 photovoltaic modules have attracted attention. [68][69][70][71][72][73] Various large-area devices and minimodules are listed in Table 2. In 2019, Nair et al conducted pioneering research in the production of prototype photovoltaic modules of Sb 2 (S,Se) 3 through TE.…”

Carrier Transport Enhancement Mechanism in Highly Efficient Antimony Selenide Thin‐Film Solar Cell

“…Moreover, series connected antimony selenosulfide monolithic integrated photovoltaic modules have achieved PCE of 7.43%. [10] However, highest efficiency of Sb 2 Se 3 thin-film solar cells remains considerably lower than the theoretical value and far inferior to that of the well-researched CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. [10] In fact, several major affecting factors impede improvement in device efficiency, such as defects at the bulk and interface, the band alignment of heterojunction, and the device structure.…”

“…[10] However, highest efficiency of Sb 2 Se 3 thin-film solar cells remains considerably lower than the theoretical value and far inferior to that of the well-researched CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. [10] In fact, several major affecting factors impede improvement in device efficiency, such as defects at the bulk and interface, the band alignment of heterojunction, and the device structure. [11] Particularly for the substrate-structured Sb 2 Se 3 thin-film solar cells, the buffer layer and absorber layer characteristics play a critical role in a desirable heterojunction.…”

“…Moreover, series connected antimony selenosulfide monolithic integrated photovoltaic modules have achieved PCE of 7.43%. [ 10 ] However, highest efficiency of Sb 2 Se 3 thin‐film solar cells remains considerably lower than the theoretical value and far inferior to that of the well‐researched CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells. [ 10 ]…”

“…[ 10 ] However, highest efficiency of Sb 2 Se 3 thin‐film solar cells remains considerably lower than the theoretical value and far inferior to that of the well‐researched CuInGaSe 2 (CIGS) thin‐film solar cells. [ 10 ]…”