High-efficiency solution-processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin-film solar cells prepared from binary and ternary...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Thin-film solar cells offer a promising avenue for renewable energy.
• Developing cost-effective and efficient fabrication methods for kesterite materials like CZTSSe is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a new solution-based method for fabricating copper zinc tin sulfide selenide (CZTSSe) thin films.
• To demonstrate the impact of compositional control on device performance.
• To achieve high-efficiency laboratory-scale photovoltaic devices.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticles as precursors.
• Fabrication of CZTSSe thin films by combining these nanoparticles.
• Adjustment of nanoparticle ratios to control film composition.
• Device fabrication and characterization of photovoltaic cells.
• Material characterization using techniques to reveal microstructure.

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of CZTSSe thin films using a solution-based nanoparticle precursor method.
• Demonstrated tunability of CZTSSe film composition by adjusting precursor ratios.
• Achieved laboratory-scale photovoltaic cells with 8.5% total-area efficiency (9.6% active-area efficiency) without anti-reflective coatings.
• Material characterization revealed a bilayer microstructure formed during thermal processing.

Conclusions:

• The presented solution-based method offers a viable route for CZTSSe thin film fabrication with compositional control.
• The findings highlight the importance of composition in optimizing CZTSSe solar cell performance.
• The bilayer microstructure suggests areas for further investigation and device improvement.