Investigation of low intensity light performances of kesterite CZTSe, CZTSSe, and CZTS thin film solar cells for indoor applications

Park, Jongsung; Yoo, Hyesun; Karade, Vijay; Gour, Kuldeep Singh; Choi, Eun Young; Kim, Moonyong; Hao, Xiaojing; Shin, So Jeong; Kim, Junho; Shim, Hongjae; Kim, Dongmyung; Kim, Jong H.; Yun, Jaesung; Kim, Jin hyeok

doi:10.1039/d0ta04863a

Cited by 42 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Based on our previous report, a faster V OC loss under low‐intensity light conditions was mainly caused by deep‐level defects in the bulk of the photo absorber. [ 32 ] It is well known that J SC has a linear relationship with light intensity, whereas the V OC has a logarithmic relationship with light intensity, so faster V OC loss under low‐intensity light condition is closely related to deep‐level defects.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In our previous report, we successfully demonstrated the comparative performance of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS), Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 (CZTSe), and CZTSSe solar cells under low‐intensity light conditions, and revealed that CZTSSe demonstrated better power output in the condition. [ 32 ] Nevertheless, we found that the performance of CZTSSe under low light conditions is mainly limited by the deep‐level defect‐assisted carrier recombination. To overcome this limitation, in this study, Ag and Ge were doped to CZTSSe to lessen deep‐level defects, and the performance of the doped CZTSSe samples under indoor light conditions was evaluated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

et al. 2021

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Recent efficiency advancements in kesterites have reinforced the use of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) in indoor photovoltaic applications. However, the performance of kesterites under low light intensity conditions is mainly hindered by deep‐level defects. In this study, a strategic approach of silver (Ag) and germanium (Ge) cation substitution to cure these defects are employed. The Ag‐doped CZTSSe (CZTSSe:Ag) and Ge‐doped (CZTSSe:Ge) samples experimentally demonstrated a significant improvement in kesterite device performance under all intensities of LED and white fluorescent lamp conditions are prepared. Interestingly, the CZTSSe:Ag device exhibited the highest performance levels, i.e., 1.2–1.5 and 2.5–3 times better than those of Ge‐doped CZTSSe:Ge and undoped CZTSSe, respectively. This improved device performance is mainly attributed to the reduced energy level of deep‐level defects in CZTSSe:Ag. Moreover, these defects assisted in the generation of a larger potential difference between the grain boundary and grain interior in the CZTSSe:Ag sample, attracting minority carriers near the grain boundary. Consequently, the improved carrier separation process reduced the carrier recombination losses and enhanced the power output under low light intensity conditions. This Ag and Ge cation substitution in kesterite is found to be an effective approach to improve the device performance under low light intensity conditions.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

et al. 2021

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“…When the ratios of Sn 4þ to Sn 2þ was 1:0 and 0:1, the average roughness was 91.46 and 99.26 nm. According to the literature, [30,[33][34][35][36][37] the rough CZTSSe films have a comparatively high number of defects in the heterojunction region, which acts as an interfacial recombination center. The smaller roughness indicates the better film surface quality of absorption layer, which is beneficial for the growth of the much better and more uniform CdS film with the same chemical bath deposition (CBD) process, showing superior heterojunction quality.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimizing the Ratio of Sn⁴⁺ and Sn²⁺ in Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Precursor Solution via Air Environment for Highly Efficient Solar Cells

Liang

Xie

et al. 2021

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The use of different Sn valence states (such as Sn4+ and Sn2+) in the Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) precursor solution is especially important for the quality of the subsequent growth of the CZTSSe films. The latest study has found that replacing SnCl2·2H2O with anhydrous SnCl4 can remarkably improve the performance of CZTSSe solar cells, but it needs to be operated in the glovebox. Herein, for the precursor solution, SnCl4·5H2O powder is used instead of anhydrous SnCl4 in air environment, and the proportion of Sn4+ and Sn2+ precursor solutions is further systematically studied. When the ratio of Sn4+ to Sn2+ is 1:1, a uniform, compact, and noncracking CZTSSe thin film is obtained, effectively alleviating the interface recombination and reducing the concentration of deep‐level defects. In particular, the concentration of CuZn antisite defects is decreased by an order of magnitude, and the carrier recombination and band tail effect are alleviated. When JSC is maintained, VOC and FF are considerably improved. Finally, CZTSSe thin‐film solar cells are fabricated with an efficiency of over 11%. Herein, the feasibility of controlling the ratio of Sn4+ to Sn2+ in the CZTSSe precursor solution for higher efficiency of CZTSSe thin‐film solar cells is demonstrated.

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“…The indoor lights are usually weak in all directions, which are difficult to be effectively utilized. The reported substrate-structured Mo-based CZTSSe solar cells exhibited good performance under low-light conditions 20 but limited by light directions. Bifacial solar cells have unique advantages in collecting front and rear illuminations, reducing the solar cell cost in a photovoltaic system by efficiently utilizing materials and areas 21 – 23 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Novel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications

et al. 2021

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Environment-friendly flexible Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells show great potentials for indoor photovoltaic market. Indoor lighting is weak and multi-directional, thus the researches of photovoltaic device structures, techniques and performances face new challenges. Here, we design symmetrical bifacial CZTSSe solar cells on flexible Mo-foil substrate to efficiently harvest the indoor energy. Such devices are fabricated by double-sided deposition techniques to ensure bifacial consistency and save cost. We report 9.3% and 9% efficiencies for the front and back sides of the flexible CZTSSe solar cell under the standard sun light. Considering the indoor environment, we verify weak-light response performance of the devices under LED illumination and flexibility properties after thousands of bending. Bifacial CZTSSe solar cells in parallel achieve the superposition of double-sided output current from multi-directional light, significantly enhancing the area utilization rate. The present results and methods are expected to expand indoor photovoltaic applications.

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Investigation of low intensity light performances of kesterite CZTSe, CZTSSe, and CZTS thin film solar cells for indoor applications

Abstract: Three kesterite thin-film solar cells, Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe), Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe), and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), and based on low light intensity measurements, examined the possibility of using kesterite devices for indoor applications.

Cited by 42 publications

References 24 publications

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Optimizing the Ratio of Sn⁴⁺ and Sn²⁺ in Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Precursor Solution via Air Environment for Highly Efficient Solar Cells

Novel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications

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Investigation of low intensity light performances of kesterite CZTSe, CZTSSe, and CZTS thin film solar cells for indoor applications

Abstract: Three kesterite thin-film solar cells, Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe), Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe), and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), and based on low light intensity measurements, examined the possibility of using kesterite devices for indoor applications.

Cited by 42 publications

References 24 publications

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Optimizing the Ratio of Sn4+ and Sn2+ in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Precursor Solution via Air Environment for Highly Efficient Solar Cells

Novel symmetrical bifacial flexible CZTSSe thin film solar cells for indoor photovoltaic applications

Contact Info

Product

Resources

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Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Suppression of Defects Through Cation Substitution: A Strategic Approach to Improve the Performance of Kesterite Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells Under Indoor Light Conditions

Optimizing the Ratio of Sn⁴⁺ and Sn²⁺ in Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Precursor Solution via Air Environment for Highly Efficient Solar Cells