Sodium ion modulation for interface engineering in high-efficiency Sb₂(S,Se)₃ solar cells.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Antimony selenosulfide (Sb2(S,Se)3) solar cells show promise due to excellent optoelectronic properties.
• Challenges in Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films include low crystallinity, rough surfaces, and uneven elemental distribution, hindering device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of sodium chloride (NaCl) as an interfacial modification layer for Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films.
• To enhance the crystallinity, surface morphology, defect density, and optoelectronic performance of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal fabrication of Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films.
• Post-treatment with sodium chloride (NaCl) solution.
• Characterization using water contact angle measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• NaCl post-treatment improved Sb2(S,Se)3 film crystallinity and surface morphology.
• Enhanced hydrophilicity (water contact angle decreased from 69.63° to 53.63°) promoted uniform deposition and reduced pinholes.
• Increased recombination resistance (Rr, from 4.2 to 4.8 kΩ) indicated reduced carrier recombination.
• Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells increased from 6.63% to 8.30%.

Conclusions:

• Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an effective interfacial modifier for Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cells.
• The NaCl treatment optimizes film properties, leading to improved charge transport and higher power conversion efficiency.
• This approach offers a viable strategy for enhancing the performance of Sb2(S,Se)3 photovoltaic devices.