Photovoltaic efficiencies of microwave and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) superstrate solar cells

Yussuf, Sodiq Tolulope; Nwambaekwe, Kelechi C.; Ramoroka, Morongwa E.; Iwuoha, Emmanuel I.

doi:10.1016/j.mtsust.2022.100287

Cited by 12 publications

(11 citation statements)

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“…Although the exact impact of residual secondary phases on the performance of kesterite-based solar cells remains poorly understood, recent research suggests that the presence of secondary phases in CZT(S/Se) thin-film solar cells can significantly impact their efficiency and stability [135,136]. These secondary phases, such as CTS, Cu x S, ZnS, Sn x S y , in the CZTS compound and similarly, CTSe, Cu x Se, ZnSe, and Sn x Se y , for CZTSe, often act as recombination centers for charge carriers, leading to increased non-radiative recombination losses.…”

Section: Influence Of Secondary Phases On the Solar Device Efficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Zaki,

Velea

2024

Energies

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Kesterite-based copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) and copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) thin films have attracted considerable attention as promising materials for sustainable and cost-effective thin-film solar cells. However, the successful integration of these materials into photovoltaic devices is hindered by the coexistence of secondary phases, which can significantly affect device performance and stability. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in controlling secondary phases in kesterite CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Drawing from relevant studies, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies and techniques employed to mitigate the formation of secondary phases. These include a range of deposition methods, such as electrodeposition, sol-gel, spray pyrolysis, evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering, each presenting distinct benefits in enhancing phase purity. This study highlights the importance of employing various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, for the precise identification of secondary phases in CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative strategies and techniques aimed at mitigating the occurrence of secondary phases, including process optimization, compositional tuning, and post-deposition treatments. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing the purity and performance of kesterite-based thin-film solar cells. Challenges and open questions in this field are addressed, and potential future research directions are proposed. By comprehensively analyzing recent advancements, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of secondary phase-related issues in kesterite CZT(S/Se) thin films, paving the way for enhanced performance and commercial viability of thin-film solar cell technologies.

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Section: Influence Of Secondary Phases On the Solar Device Efficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Zaki,

Velea

2024

Energies

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“…In the conventional sulfurization process, a Cu-Zn-Sn-S-based precursor is formed on the back-contact metal Mo on the soda lime glass (SLG) substrate. [16][17][18] Mo is a high-mp metal, and its thermal stability against the following processes, including CZTS formation, is suitable for solar cell processes. However, CZTS often peels off from the Mo surface during sulfurization or post processing because of the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between Mo and CZTS, or from volume expansion when the precursor changes to a polycrystalline structure with the incorporation of sulfur from the atmosphere (H 2 S or S) in the sulfurization process.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ formation by laser annealing in controlled atmosphere

Shimamune,

Nagumo,

Jimbo

2024

Jpn. J. Appl. Phys.

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Laser annealing is an attractive process to form high- quality semiconductor films because of localized annealing area and short annealing time. In a previous study, a Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) polycrystalline semiconductor film was realized using laser annealing in air as a light absorption layer for solar cells, although the crystallization was not sufficient in comparison with CZTS formed by the conventional thermal sulfurization process. In this study, we demonstrate a newly developed gas-atmosphere-controlled laser annealing system. A Cu-Zn-Sn-S-based precursor was formed, followed by laser annealing of the system. Laser annealing in air, Ar, and 5% H2S/Ar gas was performed to investigate the influence of the gas species on the crystallization of the precursor. A 5% H2S/Ar atmosphere promoted the crystallization of CZTS with the suppression of S desorption and Cu sulfide formation, while air and Ar atmospheres allowed the formation of Cu sulfide.

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“…[4][5][6][7] Inorganic materials for photovoltaic applications can only be modified by replacing a metal with different metals, which may either increase the toxicity of the material or form a more complex crystal structure with possible high concentration of defects. [8][9][10] Modified organic materials make it complicated for researchers as they require new optimization conditions. Therefore, it is very important to understand how introduction of a substituent and modification of a central core will affect the properties of organic materials.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Fine‐Tuning of the Photovoltaic Processes

Ramoroka,

Yussuf,

Nwambaekwe

et al. 2024

Solar RRL

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Due to the negative impact and possible run out of fossil fuels, the use of an alternative source of energy, which is plentiful, is crucial. The use of sunlight to produce energy by means of photovoltaic cell devices is the perfect approach to deal with the disadvantages of fossil fuels. Now, the photovoltaics that are already in market because of their power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability are based on inorganic materials. These inorganic materials are however faced with drawbacks such as toxicity and high fabrication cost. Changing inorganic materials to organic overcome those drawbacks making organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) of importance. The problem with the OPVs is the low PCE and low stability. For decades now, researchers have been trying to improve the performance of OPVs by modifying active layer materials with the PCE of over 19% reached. This performance was achieved by performing intensive investigations to understand how the materials used in OPVs affect their performance. Our work highlights recent advancements on how the structures and chemical makeups of the active layer materials affects photovoltaic processes and performance in terms of power conversion efficiency and stability. It further sheds lights on the performance optimization of OPV and the relationship between these optimization conditions and OPV performance. The use of different substituents on the same donor or acceptor material has different optimal conditions. Furthermore, we showed how addition of different third components in the active layer have different optimal concentration point. This review also highlights and suggests a possible way to improve stability of OPVs through modification of the active layer. To date, some studies showed that incorporation of third component in the active layer led to over 97% stability after more than 1000 h.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Photovoltaic efficiencies of microwave and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) superstrate solar cells

Cited by 12 publications

References 182 publications

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ formation by laser annealing in controlled atmosphere

Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Fine‐Tuning of the Photovoltaic Processes

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Photovoltaic efficiencies of microwave and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) superstrate solar cells

Cited by 12 publications

References 182 publications

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Cu2ZnSnS4 formation by laser annealing in controlled atmosphere

Advances in Organic Photovoltaic Cells: Fine‐Tuning of the Photovoltaic Processes

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Cu₂ZnSnS₄ formation by laser annealing in controlled atmosphere