Simulating the Highly Efficient Sb₂Se₃ Solar Cell with Zn₃P₂ as a Back Surface Field Layer Using SCAPS-1D

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Semiconductor Physics

Background:

• Recombination losses in bulk and interfaces limit antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) solar cell efficiency.
• Developing efficient and environmentally friendly solar cells is crucial for renewable energy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the power conversion efficiency of cadmium-free Sb₂Se₃ solar cells.
• To investigate the use of tungsten disulfide (WS₂) as a buffer layer and zinc phosphide (Zn₃P₂) as a back surface field (BSF) layer.

Main Methods:

• Device simulation using SCAPS-1D software.
• Optimization of absorber, buffer, and BSF layer parameters (thickness, doping, defects).
• Analysis of band alignment, carrier recombination, and parasitic resistances.

Main Results:

• WS₂ and Zn₃P₂ provide appropriate band alignment and reduce interface recombination.
• Optimized Sb₂Se₃ solar cell achieves 29.5% efficiency, with V_oc = 0.99 V, J_sc = 34.99 mA/cm², and FF = 85.36%.
• Optimal parameters include absorber thickness (1.0 μm), doping (10¹⁷ cm^-3), defect density (10¹⁴ cm^-3), WS₂ buffer (50 nm, 10¹⁷ cm^-3), and Zn₃P₂ BSF (100 nm, 10²⁰ cm^-3).

Conclusions:

• The proposed WS₂/Zn₃P₂ configuration significantly enhances Sb₂Se₃ solar cell performance.
• This approach offers a pathway to low-cost, environmentally friendly, high-efficiency thin-film photovoltaic devices.
• Findings encourage experimental validation for practical device fabrication.