Organic Chloride Salt Interfacial Modified Crystallization for Efficient Antimony Selenosulfide Solar Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(SSe)3) is a promising photoactive material for solar cells due to its light-harvesting properties.
• Improving the film quality of Sb2(SSe)3 is crucial for enhancing solar cell device performance.
• Existing Sb2(SSe)3 solar cells show potential but require optimization for higher efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce diethylamine hydrochloride (DEA(Cl)) as a novel additive for fabricating Sb2(SSe)3 solar cells.
• To investigate the effect of DEA(Cl) on the film quality and morphology of Sb2(SSe)3 absorber layers.
• To evaluate the impact of DEA(Cl) modification on the photovoltaic performance of Sb2(SSe)3 solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Sb2(SSe)3 solar cells using an organic chloride salt, diethylamine hydrochloride (DEA(Cl)).
• Characterization of the Sb2(SSe)3 films to assess grain size, surface morphology, and phase purity.
• Analysis of the interaction between DEA(Cl) and Sb2(SSe)3 to understand the underlying mechanisms of improvement.
• Device performance testing to determine power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (VOC), and fill factor.

Main Results:

• A champion Sb2(SSe)3 solar cell achieved a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 9.17%.
• DEA(Cl) facilitated improved crystallization, resulting in larger grain sizes and reduced surface cracks.
• The additive effectively suppressed the formation of oxidized antimony species (Sb2O3), ensuring phase purity.
• Enhanced surface morphology and electrical characteristics were observed in DEA(Cl)-modified Sb2(SSe)3 films.

Conclusions:

• Diethylamine hydrochloride (DEA(Cl)) is a highly effective additive for improving Sb2(SSe)3 solar cell performance.
• Chloride modification successfully suppresses interfacial defects, enhances junction quality, and optimizes energy-level alignment.
• This facile interfacial modification strategy holds significant potential for developing efficient Sb2(SSe)3-based photovoltaic devices.