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

Pinto, Alexandre H.; Shin, Seung Wook; Aydil, Eray S.; Penn, R. Lee

doi:10.1039/c6gc01287f

Cited by 27 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…These features are associated with the existence of Se-, ZnSe-, CuS-, Cu 2 S-, or Sn-related secondary phases on the absorber layer, as observed in earlier reports. 9,13,44 In the present case, the absence of such features apparently suggests the absence of secondary phases in the CZTSSe film. To obtain additional insight on the surface features, whereas the Zn concentration drastically decreased from 14% to 9.3% with an increase in the immersion duration from 1 to 5 min.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 46%

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

Jeong

Nandi

Cho

et al. 2021

Progress in Photovoltaics

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The replacement of CdS buffer layer is desirable for the development of nontoxic, environmentally friendly kesterite thin-film solar cells (TFSCs). Recently, several ternary compound semiconductors have been extensively investigated as an alternative buffer layer for Cd-free TFSCs. Herein, the effectiveness of (NH 4 ) 2 S treatment on the surface properties of the absorber, as well as the device performance of atomic layer deposited (ALD) Zn(O,S) buffer-based CZTSSe solar cells, has been investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed that the elemental compositions of CZTSSe surface were significantly influenced by (NH 4 ) 2 S treatment, whereas the surface morphologies of the CZTSSe-absorber layers remained unaffected. The XPS results further suggested that the (NH 4 ) 2 S solution treatment substantially removed the native oxide layer from the CTZSSe absorber surface. The fabricated CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) device without (NH 4 ) 2 S treatment displayed an initial cell efficiency of 7.46%. The energy conversion efficiency increased significantly to 9.82% after the (NH 4 ) 2 S treatment of absorber layers for an optimum duration of 1 min; to the best of our knowledge, this is the highest efficiency achieved to date for Zn(O,S) bufferbased kesterite solar cells. The improved device performance is predominantly attributed to the pronounced increase in the fill factor (FF) of TFSCs resulting from the removal of oxides/hydroxides from the CZTSSe surface and passivation of absorber surface with sulfur species. However, increasing the treatment duration to 3 or 5 min resulted in the deterioration of cell efficiency, primarily due to the progressive degradation in the FF of the device. This study demonstrates a plausible route to improve the performance of Zn(O,S) buffer layer-based kesterite solar cells through a simple surface treatment of the absorber layers using (NH 4 ) 2 S solution.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 46%

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

Jeong

Nandi

Cho

et al. 2021

Progress in Photovoltaics

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“…To date, only a few studies on the exploitation of the slow‐photon effect for photocatalytic water splitting, one of the most important solar‐energy conversion reactions for green‐fuel production, have been reported. In addition, the exploitation of the slow‐photon effect for the development of highly efficient solar cells has also been very limited …”

Section: Photonic Crystals and Slow Photonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In spite of the huge strides made in photovoltaics technologies, their efficiency remains lower than expected. For instance, the theoretical maximum PCE of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 is 30% while the practical maximum is only 12.7%, partly due to the low optical absorption coefficient and quantum conversion efficiency of the material. Innovative concepts boosting the development of new materials and new processes are the only solution to address the present situation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Slow Photons for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics

et al. 2017

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Solar light is widely recognized as one of the most valuable renewable energy sources for the future. However, the development of solar-energy technologies is severely hindered by poor energy-conversion efficiencies due to low optical-absorption coefficients and low quantum-conversion yield of current-generation materials. Huge efforts have been devoted to investigating new strategies to improve the utilization of solar energy. Different chemical and physical strategies have been used to extend the spectral range or increase the conversion efficiency of materials, leading to very promising results. However, these methods have now begun to reach their limits. What is therefore the next big concept that could efficiently be used to enhance light harvesting? Despite its discovery many years ago, with the potential for becoming a powerful tool for enhanced light harvesting, the slow-photon effect, a manifestation of light-propagation control due to photonic structures, has largely been overlooked. This review presents theoretical as well as experimental progress on this effect, revealing that the photoreactivity of materials can be dramatically enhanced by exploiting slow photons. It is predicted that successful implementation of this strategy may open a very promising avenue for a broad spectrum of light-energy-conversion technologies.

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“…The extreme toxicity of KCN prohibited it from industrial manufactory. Although other environmentally benign etchants such as (NH 4 ) 2 S and a mixture of 2‐mercaptoethanol and ethylenediamine have been used to dissolve Cu 2− x Se, they are not as effective as KCN. Thus, find a way to fabricate high quality CIS/CIGS absorber materials under Cu‐poor condition to eliminate the etching step is desirable.…”

Section: The Device Parameters Of Cisse Solar Cells With the Absorbermentioning

confidence: 99%

10.3% Efficient CuIn(S,Se)₂ Solar Cells from DMF Molecular Solution with the Absorber Selenized under High Argon Pressure

Jiang

Gong

et al. 2018

Solar RRL

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Fabricating high performing chalcopyrite absorber material from environmental benign solvent is very important for large scale manufacturing production. Here, N, N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) is used as a single solvent to make CuIn(S,Se)2 (CIS) molecular precursor solution and fabricate CIS absorber material. A power conversion efficiency of 10.3% has been achieved from film selenized under 1.6 atmosphere Ar pressure which is 0% for film selenized under 1 atmosphere pressure. Characterizations using XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX reveal a Cu‐rich absorber material consisting of loosely connected grains with vertical holes in film selenized under 1 atmosphere and a Cu‐poor compact large‐grain top layer with large hole bottom layer in film selenized under high Ar pressure. Further optimization of precursor formulation and device fabrication conditions to address the non‐perfect double layer structure is expected to further improve DMF solution processed CIS solar cell efficiency. Our results demonstrate annealing precursor film under increased atmosphere pressure is a new and promising strategy to fabricate high performing thin film solar cells, which can be applied to all solution processed chalcogenide solar cells including CIS, CIGS and CZTS.

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Selective removal of Cu_2−x(S,Se) phases from Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ thin films

Abstract: A safer etchant is developed to replace toxic KCN for dissolving undesired impurities from thin films used in solar cells.

Cited by 27 publications

References 34 publications

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

Slow Photons for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics

10.3% Efficient CuIn(S,Se)₂ Solar Cells from DMF Molecular Solution with the Absorber Selenized under High Argon Pressure

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

Abstract: A safer etchant is developed to replace toxic KCN for dissolving undesired impurities from thin films used in solar cells.

Cited by 27 publications

References 34 publications

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH4)2S treatment of absorber layer

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH4)2S treatment of absorber layer

Slow Photons for Photocatalysis and Photovoltaics

10.3% Efficient CuIn(S,Se)2 Solar Cells from DMF Molecular Solution with the Absorber Selenized under High Argon Pressure

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Selective removal of Cu_2−x(S,Se) phases from Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ thin films

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

CZTSSe/Zn(O,S) heterojunction solar cells with 9.82% efficiency enabled via (NH₄)₂S treatment of absorber layer

10.3% Efficient CuIn(S,Se)₂ Solar Cells from DMF Molecular Solution with the Absorber Selenized under High Argon Pressure