Secondary phases in Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cell: The role of interfaces

Zhang, Yi-Man; Jia, Zhan-Ju; Zhao, Zong‐Yan

doi:10.1016/j.physb.2021.413539

Cited by 10 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 29 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Considering the lattice mismatch, three interface models, CZTS/ZnO 1−x S x (x = 0.625), CZTS/ZnS, and CZTS/ZnO, were constructed based on kesterite-type CZTS and zinc-blende-type ZnS or ZnO along the [001] direction, according to our previous work. [36] CZTS/ZnO 1−x S x model was constructed based on 2 × 2 × 2 supercell, which has 256 atoms. CZTS/ZnS and CZTS/ZnO models were constructed based on primitive cell, which have 192 atoms.…”

Section: Computational Methods and Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

Zhang

Jia

Zhao

et al. 2022

Adv Materials Inter

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

>10 5 cm -1 in the visible light region), [1] a proper bandgap (≈1.5 eV), [2] suitable band edge (valence band maximum: 0.8 eV; conduction band minimum: −0.7 eV, vs NHE), [3] adjustability of structure and properties, [4] and so on. In the past decade, CZTS-based TFSCs have made significant advances in laboratory research. [5] Recently, the certified record conversion efficiency of CZTS-and CZTSSe-based TFSCs have reached 11.0% and 13.0%, respectively. [6] However, these conversion efficiencies are far lower than its theoretical conversion efficiency limit (32.2%). [7] The current research hotspots to improve the conversion efficiency mainly focus on the following two directions: one is the modification of CZTS absorbing materials, and the other is the optimization of device structure of CZTS-based TFSCs. [4] CZTS-based solar cells suffer from low open-circuit voltage (V oc ). The following several factors lead to the low V oc : secondary phases inside the absorber layer and on its boundaries, bandgap fluctuations caused by structural or compositional in-homogeneities, electrostatic potential fluctuations caused by charged defects, and recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs via interface states. [8] Compared with other influencing factors, the carrier recombination via interface states is relatively easy to be eliminated through interface engineering. [9] The schematic diagram for device structure of CZTS-based solar cells is shown in Figure 1. The top is window layer containing Al-doped ZnO and intrinsic ZnO (i-ZnO), followed by buffer layer, CZTS absorber layer, Mo back contact and substrate. Among them, the buffer layer plays an important role. The buffer layer is a transition layer between CZTS absorption layer with narrow bandgap and ZnO window layer with wide bandgap. It reduces the bandgap misalignment and lattice mismatch between these two layers, and can prevent the damage to CZTS absorption layer when sputtering ZnO window layer in the process of device fabrication. Furthermore, the buffer layer is also the determinant of the separation and transfer behavior of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, the buffer layer plays an important role in improving the performance of CZTS-based TFSCs. [10] In general, there is a certain potential barrier between the CZTS absorption layer and the carrier transfer layer, which hinders the further improvement of the The current low conversion efficiency of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS)-based thin film solar cells is mainly blamed on the high carrier recombination via interface states at the absorber-buffer. In this work, ZnO 1−x S x solid solution is exploited as the potential buffer layer materials to solve this issue by using density functional theory calculations. With the varying of solid solubility, the lattice constant of ZnO 1−x S x solid solution follows the first-order Vegard's Law, while its bandgap follows the second-order Vegard's Law. Based on the systematical analysis of crystal structure and electronic properties of ZnO 1−x S x solid solution, ZnO 0.375...

show abstract

Section: Computational Methods and Modelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

Zhang

Jia

Zhao

et al. 2022

Adv Materials Inter

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…On the other hand, highly conductive Cu 2 S may create short circuits in solar cells, potentially compromising their efficiency [138]. However, another investigation revealed that the presence of the Cu 2 S secondary phase is not detrimental to the photovoltaic performance of CZTS [139]. On the contrary, it was found that the Cu 2 S phase might play a constructive role, potentially contributing to the enhancement of the overall photovoltaic performance.…”

Section: Influence Of Secondary Phases On the Solar Device Efficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Zaki,

Velea

2024

Energies

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Kesterite-based copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) and copper zinc tin selenide (CZTSe) thin films have attracted considerable attention as promising materials for sustainable and cost-effective thin-film solar cells. However, the successful integration of these materials into photovoltaic devices is hindered by the coexistence of secondary phases, which can significantly affect device performance and stability. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress and challenges in controlling secondary phases in kesterite CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Drawing from relevant studies, we discuss state-of-the-art strategies and techniques employed to mitigate the formation of secondary phases. These include a range of deposition methods, such as electrodeposition, sol-gel, spray pyrolysis, evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, and sputtering, each presenting distinct benefits in enhancing phase purity. This study highlights the importance of employing various characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, for the precise identification of secondary phases in CZTS and CZTSe thin films. Furthermore, the review discusses innovative strategies and techniques aimed at mitigating the occurrence of secondary phases, including process optimization, compositional tuning, and post-deposition treatments. These approaches offer promising avenues for enhancing the purity and performance of kesterite-based thin-film solar cells. Challenges and open questions in this field are addressed, and potential future research directions are proposed. By comprehensively analyzing recent advancements, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of secondary phase-related issues in kesterite CZT(S/Se) thin films, paving the way for enhanced performance and commercial viability of thin-film solar cell technologies.

show abstract

“…CZTS, a quaternary compound, has more than one structural configuration and obeys the octet rule. [59,60] For both structures, sulfur atoms are coordinated with four cations, and each cation was tetrahedrally surrounded by four sulfur ions. [20] Within the CZTS structure, the electrochemical reactions that occur can be intricate and complex.…”

Section: Current Progress On Cu 2 Znsns 4 (Czts) Electrodementioning

confidence: 99%

Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Electrode as an Improvement Strategy for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries: A Status Review

Hassan,

Imyrah,

Chelvanathan

et al. 2024

Energy Tech

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is seen as a microstructure electrode due to its high energy density when applied in lithium rechargeable batteries such as lithium‐ion batteries (LIB) and lithium sulfur batteries (LSB). This review provides a systematic observation to evaluate the CZTS electrode capabilities from the perspective of electrode composition and its performance in lithium rechargeable batteries. This review starts by focusing on state‐of‐art lithium rechargeable batteries using common sulfur/sulfide‐based materials reported from literature. The relation between the LSB performance with the active materials ‐ sulfur, binder, solvents, electrolytes, and conducting additive used for lithium sulfide (Li2S) formation required for charge transfer properties is discussed critically. The following section discusses the current progress on CZTS‐based electrode in lithium rechargeable batteries and it is found that the highest capacity obtained with improved interfacial compatibility is 1802 mAh g−1 by hydrothermal techniques using 1 m LiPF6 in EC/EMC/DMC electrolyte. These properties have made sulfide component in CZTS structure as a great substitute to conventional sulfur/sulfide‐based active materials. Therefore, CZTS has become a promising and huge potential electrode in lithium rechargeable batteries.

show abstract

Secondary phases in Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cell: The role of interfaces

Cited by 10 publications

References 29 publications

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Electrode as an Improvement Strategy for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries: A Status Review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Secondary phases in Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cell: The role of interfaces

Cited by 10 publications

References 29 publications

ZnO1−xSx Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu2ZnSnS4‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

ZnO1−xSx Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu2ZnSnS4‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

Recent Progress and Challenges in Controlling Secondary Phases in Kesterite CZT(S/Se) Thin Films: A Critical Review

Cu2ZnSnS4‐Based Electrode as an Improvement Strategy for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries: A Status Review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

ZnO₁₋_xS_x Solid Solution as Potential Buffer Layer Materials for Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Thin Film Solar Cells: Structural and Interfacial Properties

Cu₂ZnSnS₄‐Based Electrode as an Improvement Strategy for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries: A Status Review