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All-Nonvacuum-Processed CIGS Solar Cells Using Scalable Ag NWs/AZO-Based Transparent Electrodes
Mingqing Wang1, Kwang-Leong Choy1
1UCL Institute for Materials Discovery, University College London , Roberts Building, Malet Place, London, WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 15, 2016
Summary
All nonvacuum-processed CIGS solar cells were developed to reduce costs. This approach achieved a 14.05% efficiency, comparable to traditional methods, paving the way for more affordable solar energy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Photovoltaics
Background:
- Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS) solar cells offer high efficiency (record 21.7%) but face market limitations due to high manufacturing costs.
- Traditional CIGS solar cell fabrication relies on expensive vacuum-based processes, hindering widespread adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop cost-effective, all nonvacuum-processed CIGS solar cells.
- To demonstrate that nonvacuum fabrication methods can yield competitive solar cell performance.
Main Methods:
- CIGS absorber layers were created via annealing of electrodeposited metallic layers in a chalcogen atmosphere.
- Nonvacuum-deposited silver nanowire (Ag NW)/AZO transparent electrodes replaced vacuum-sputtered window layers, achieving 92.0% transmittance and 20 Ω/□ sheet resistance.
- A brief post-fabrication thermal treatment (220 °C) enhanced efficiency and uniformity on 5x5 cm substrates.
Main Results:
- The all-nonvacuum-fabricated CIGS solar cells achieved a peak efficiency of 14.05%.
- Key performance metrics included a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 34.82 mA/cm², an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.58 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 69.60%.
- Performance was comparable to a reference cell using a vacuum-sputtered window layer (14.45% efficiency).
Conclusions:
- All nonvacuum processing is a viable strategy for reducing CIGS solar cell production costs.
- The developed nonvacuum methods enable the fabrication of efficient CIGS solar cells, potentially accelerating the market penetration of this photovoltaic technology.
