Enhancement in the Efficiency of Sb₂ Se₃ Solar Cells by Triple Function of Lithium Hydroxide Modified at the Back...

The efficiency of antimony selenide (Sb₂ Se₃ ) solar cells is still limited by significant interface and deep-level defects, in addition to carrier recombination at the back contact surface. This paper investigates the use of lithium (Li) ions as dopant for Sb₂ Se₃ films, using lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as a dopant medium. Surprisingly, the LiOH solution not only reacts at the back surface of the Sb₂ Se₃ film but also penetrate inside the film along the (Sb₄ Se₆ )_n molecular chain. First, the Li ions modify the grain boundary's carrier type and create an electric field between p-type grain interiors and n-type grain boundary. Second, a gradient band structure is formed along the vertical direction with the diffusion of Li ions. Third, carrier collection and transport are improved at the surface between Sb₂ Se₃ and the Au layer due to the reaction between the film and alkaline solution. Additionally, the diffusion of Li ions increases the crystallinity, orientation, surface evenness, and optical electricity. Ultimately, the efficiency of Sb₂ Se₃ solar cells is improved to 7.57% due to the enhanced carrier extraction, transport, and collection, as well as the reduction of carrier recombination and deep defect density. This efficiency is also a record for CdS/Sb₂ Se₃ solar cells fabricated by rapid thermal evaporation.