Solution-processed Cu₂ZnSnS₄ thin film with mixed solvent and its application in superstrate structure solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) thin film solar cells are researched for their non-toxic, abundant components, low cost, and excellent optoelectronic properties.
• Superstrate solar cell structures offer potential advantages in fabrication and application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solution-based preparation method for fabricating efficient superstrate CZTS solar cells.
• To enhance the interfacial contact between CZTS and the underlying TiO2 layer to improve device performance.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a superstrate CZTS solar cell (FTO/TiO2/CdS/CZTS/P3HT/Cu) using a mixed solvent solution-based method.
• Utilized nanocrystalline TiO2 porous thin film as the bottom layer to increase interfacial area.
• Controlled CZTS precursor particle size by adjusting the volume ratios of N,N-dimethylformamide and ethanol.

Main Results:

• Successfully regulated CZTS precursor particle size to facilitate infiltration into the porous TiO2 structure.
• Achieved good interfacial contact between CZTS and porous TiO2, leading to improved device performance.
• Demonstrated an effective improvement in the light-to-electric conversion efficiency of the superstrate CZTS solar cell.

Conclusions:

• The developed solution-based method and precursor size control offer a promising approach for high-efficiency superstrate solar cell design.
• Optimizing interfacial engineering in CZTS solar cells is crucial for enhancing photovoltaic performance.
• This work contributes to the advancement of low-cost, efficient thin film solar cell technologies.