Overcoming Limitations in Water-Ethanol Sprayed Superstrate Solar Cells by Compositional Engineering of...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Growing demand for solar energy necessitates cost-effective, earth-abundant materials.
• Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 is a promising light-harvesting material for solar cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop functional solar cells using Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4.
• Investigate the impact of sulfur and selenium ratios on optoelectronic properties.
• Establish a cost-effective and environmentally friendly deposition method.

Main Methods:

• Thin film deposition of Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 via spray pyrolysis.
• Analysis of optoelectronic characteristics with varying S/Se ratios.
• Fabrication and testing of solar cell devices.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed functional solar cells based on Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4.
• Spray pyrolysis with benign solvents enabled cost-effective, scalable production.
• Optimized Se content (up to 30%) enhanced infrared absorption and fill factor.
• Achieved 3.5% solar-to-electric conversion efficiency with Cu2CdSn(S2.8Se1.2).

Conclusions:

• Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 is a viable material for cost-efficient solar cells.
• Spray pyrolysis offers an environmentally friendly and scalable fabrication route.
• Further optimization can reduce efficiency losses and improve performance.