Review of ZnSnN₂ semiconductor material

Abstract

Zinc tin nitride (ZnSnN2) is one of the emerging ternary nitride semiconductors considered for photovoltaic device applications due to its attractive and tunable material properties and earth abundance of constituent elements. Computational predictions of the material properties sparked experimental synthesis efforts, and currently there are a number of groups involved in ZnSnN2 research. In this article, we review the progress of research and development efforts in ZnSnN2 across the globe, and provide several highlights of accomplishments at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The interplay between computational predictions and experimental observations is discussed and exemplified by focusing on unintentional oxygen incorporation and the resulting changes in optical and electronic properties. The research progress over the past decade is summarized, and important future development directions are highlighted.

Screening of II-IV-V2 Materials for Photovoltaic Applications Based on Density Functional Theory Calculations

“…This explains the motivation behind previous research studies to make solar cells based on these materials. Here, we point out that this class of materials is relatively new, compared to other mature technologies [6]. Further optimization should be made to improve efficiency, as solar conversion efficiency is a complex function of many parameters [12,13].…”

“…E g and E SFE stand for the electronic band gap and the stacking fault energy, respectively. The electronic band gap of ZnSnN 2 varies depending on the cation ordering [6].…”

“…All of these materials were investigated extensively for photovoltaic applications both theoretically and experimentally [4]. II-IV-V 2 is another category of materials obtained by applying the design principle to III-V, while ZnSnN 2 is the most well-known material for photovoltaic application in this category [6].…”

DFT Investigations of BeSnN2 Chalcopyrite Compound for Optoelectronic Applications

“…Many ternary compounds based on group II-A and II-B primary compounds have been studied and their brief literature has been mentioned here. A theoretical investigation in which ZnSnN 2 has been found to provide a better solution as a solar cell or photovoltaic application [2]. This work talks about the work and development that has taken place on this sample.…”

Approaching Theoretical Band Gap of ZnSnN2 Films via Bias Magnetron Cosputtering at Room Temperature

“…11 Since this article, the number of papers has continued to increase in both theoretical [12][13][14][15][16] and experimental approaches; scientists attempt to understand structureproperties relationships in order to discover a class of materials that can compete with the actual photovoltaic absorbers market leaders. 17 Synthesis techniques progressed significantly, from plasma-assisted vapor-liquid-solid technique, 18 RF and DC magnetron sputtering, 19,20 metathesis reaction under high pressure, 21 combinatorial reactive sputtering using Zn−Sn 3 N 4 alternative layers, 22 to PAMBE with ZnO buffer on Al 2 O 3 substrate. 23 However, the optoelectronic properties of these materials are still challenging and not really mastered due to the huge disparity between the results of the various studies.…”