Synthesis and Characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 by Non-Vacuum Method for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

Wet ball milling was used for the synthesis of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) nanoparticles with a kesterite structure. The prepared nanoparticles were used for ink formulation. Surfactants and binders were added to improve the ink stability, prevent agglomeration, and enhance ink adhesion. The films deposited via spin coating were annealed at different temperatures using a rapid thermal processing system in the presence of selenium powder in an inert environment. Analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, were used to confirm the formation of CZTSe nanoparticles with a single-phase, crystalline kesterite structure. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to study the surface morphology and chemical composition of the thin films before and after annealing, with and without the sodium solution. The optoelectrical properties were investigated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Hall measurements. All the prepared CZTSe thin films exhibited a p-type nature with an optical bandgap in the range of 0.82–1.02 eV. The open-circuit voltage and fill factor of the CZTSe-based devices increased from 266 to 335 mV and from 37.79% to 44.19%, respectively, indicating a decrease in the number of recombination centers after Na incorporation.

Predicting the bandgap and efficiency of perovskite solar cells using machine learning methods

“…Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of MLbased approaches for predicting the bandgap and efficiency of PSCs. For instance, a study used a Bayesian optimization algorithm to identify promising perovskite compositions with narrow bandgaps and high carrier mobilities [24], Kim et stoichiometries of PSCs based on their material properties and device architecture [25]. Another study by Yilmaz, employed a machine learning technique to analyze a dataset of 599 data points from 146 publications on 2D/3D PSCs, resulting in predictive models for power conversion efficiency and stability [26].…”

Defect Engineering in Earth‐Abundant Cu2ZnSnSe4 Absorber Using Efficient Alkali Doping for Flexible and Tandem Solar Cell Applications

“…It possesses very similar optoelectronic properties to chalcopyrite-structured CIGSe. [1] Moreover, CZTSSe films have been prepared by various methods, such as cost-effective non-vacuum [2][3][4][5] and mass-producible vacuum processes. [6][7][8][9] Recently, the sputtered precursor/reaction, the so-called, two-step method, has been used by researchers at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (NJUPT) to achieve an efficiency of 13% and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) to obtain an efficiency of 12.62%.…”