Large-Scale Micro- and Nanopatterns of Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ Thin Film Solar Cells by Mold-Assisted Chemical-Etching Process

Abstract

A reactive mold-assisted chemical etching (MACE) process through an easy-to-make agarose stamp soaked in bromine methanol etchant to rapidly imprint larger area micro- and nanoarrays on CIGS substrates was demonstrated. Interestingly, by using the agarose stamp during the MACE process with and without additive containing oil and triton, CIGS microdome and microhole arrays can be formed on the CIGS substrate. Detailed formation mechanisms of microstructures and the chemical composition variation after the etching process were investigated. In addition, various microand nanostructures were also demonstrated by this universal approach. The microstructure arrays integrated into standard CIGS solar cells with thinner thickness can still achieve an efficiency of 11.22%, yielding an enhanced efficiency of ∼18% compared with that of their planar counterpart due to an excellent absorption behavior confirmed by the simulation results, which opens up a promising way for the realization of high-efficiency micro- or nanostructured thin-film solar cells. Finally, the complete dissolution of agarose stamp into hot water demonstrates an environmentally friendly method by the mold-assisted chemical etching process through an easy-to-make agarose stamp.

Synthesis, characterization and fabrication of ultrathin iron pyrite (FeS2) thin films and field-effect transistors

“…These disadvantages prevent FeS 2 from creating a p-n homojunction or a p-i-n junction in solar cells. 14 With the emergence of other promising materials for thin lm solar cells, including CuInGaSe 2 , 15,16 the potential of FeS 2 as a candidate for solar PV applications has waned.…”

Selective removal of Cu2−x(S,Se) phases from Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin films

“…While several etchants have been developed to selectively remove impurity phases such as Zn(S,Se), Cu 2 Sn(S,Se) 3 , and Sn(S,Se) x , 11,[18][19][20][21] most have focused on removing the conductive Cu 2−x (S,Se) phase, a common cause of electrical shunts across the solar cell electrodes. 22 Specifically, potassium cyanide (KCN) has emerged as a widely used etchant to remove Cu 2−x (S,Se) phases from CIGS thin films. 22 The efficiencies of solar cells made from CIGS thin films etched in KCN increased dramatically as compared to those made from films that were not etched in KCN.…”

“…22 Specifically, potassium cyanide (KCN) has emerged as a widely used etchant to remove Cu 2−x (S,Se) phases from CIGS thin films. 22 The efficiencies of solar cells made from CIGS thin films etched in KCN increased dramatically as compared to those made from films that were not etched in KCN. 22 Similar improvements have been reported for CZTSe thin film solar cells.…”

Ordered Nanoscale Heterojunction Architecture for Enhanced Solution‐Based CuInGaS2 Thin Film Solar Cell Performance

“…Also, a large surface area between p‐ and n‐type material layers in the nanostructures possibly accompanies electrical improvement . Recently, the novel chemical etching process for CIGS devices has been reported, and the patterned devices are expected to be advantageous for the photovoltaic performance …”