Spin-coated planar Sb₂S₃ hybrid solar cells approaching 5% efficiency

Abstract

Antimony sulfide solar cells have demonstrated an efficiency exceeding 7% when assembled in an extremely thin absorber configuration deposited via chemical bath deposition. More recently, less complex, planar geometries were obtained from simple spin-coating approaches, but the device efficiency still lags behind. We compare two processing routes based on different precursors reported in the literature. By studying the film morphology, sub-bandgap absorption and solar cell performance, improved annealing procedures are found and the crystallization temperature is shown to be critical. In order to determine the optimized processing conditions, the role of the polymeric hole transport material is discussed. The efficiency of our best solar cells exceeds previous reports for each processing route, and our champion device displays one of the highest efficiencies reported for planar antimony sulfide solar cells.

Semitransparent Sb2S3 thin film solar cells by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis for use in solar windows

“…SnO 2 and ZnO have also been employed as the planar ETM, with varying success [33–34]. Conjugated polymers, e.g., P3HT, Spiro-OMeTAD (2,2',7,7'-tetrakis[ N , N -di(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]-9,9'-spirobifluorene), and poly[2,6-(4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4 H -cyclopenta[2,1- b ;3,4- b ′]dithiophene)- alt -4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PCPDTBT), are the most popular organic hole transport materials (HTMs) in Sb 2 S 3 solar cell studies because of the high PCE values [17–18 25,27–31 35]. However, planar cells with inorganic HTMs (which are chemically and thermally more stable and have lower cost), such as CuSCN, NiO x , and V 2 O 5 , have also shown comparable efficiencies [26,36–37].…”

“…We demonstrated that by adapting a two-step sequence, whereby amorphous Sb 2 S 3 layers are first deposited by USP and then crystallized by thermal annealing, compact Sb 2 S 3 thin films with uniform thickness can be fabricated [46]. Similarly, a two-step procedure to grow compact Sb 2 S 3 thin films has become common practice for many deposition techniques [18–20 27,29,31,35,47]. To summarize: in order to achieve progress in the various areas of PV applications, e.g., BIPV, and to increase the availability of PV beyond the state-of-the-art in compliance with ever stricter safety and health regulations, novel thin film solar cell designs are required, using abundant non-toxic materials and implementing cost-effective solar cell fabrication technologies.…”

Functional ZnO/TiO2 Bilayer as Electron Transport Material for Solution‐Processed Sb2S3 Solar Cells

“…[ 5 ] This difference suggests that there are still important challenges relative to basic materials and device properties that need to be overcome to boost the PCE of Sb 2 S 3 solar cells, including those relative to electron transport materials (ETMs) and its interfaces. [ 6–9 ]…”

Renewable energy conversion using nano- and microstructured materials

“…The Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology thematic issue “Nano- and microstructures for energy conversion: materials and devices” provides insights into the latest developments in the related fields. Besides a focus on solar-cell concepts [1–5], it also addresses light harvesting by solar fuel production [6–7], and energy storage by batteries [8].…”

“…In terms of material saving, nano- and microstructured absorbers offer great potential, e.g., via ultrathin absorbers as highlighted for Sb 2 S 3 hybrid solar cells [1] or via microabsorbers as shown for Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 [4] in this thematic issue. At the same time, material reduction demands for optical concepts that support efficient collection of the incident solar radiation.…”