Spray deposited copper zinc tin sulphide (Cu₂ZnSnS₄) film as a counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Stoichiometric thin films of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) were deposited by the spray technique on a FTO coated glass substrate, with post-annealing in a H2S environment to improve the film properties. CZTS films were used as a counter electrode (CE) in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSCs) with N719 dye and an iodine electrolyte. The DSC of 0.25 cm(2) area using a CE of CZTS film annealed in a H2S environment under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW cm(-2)) exhibited a short circuit current density (JSC) = 18.63 mA cm(-2), an open circuit voltage (VOC) = 0.65 V and a fill factor (FF) = 0.53, resulting in an overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) = 6.4%. While the DSC using as deposited CZTS film as a CE showed the PCE = 3.7% with JSC = 13.38 mA cm(-2), VOC = 0.57 V and FF = 0.48. Thus, the spray deposited CZTS films can play an important role as a CE in the large area DSC fabrication.

Electrochemical impedance analysis of spray deposited CZTS thin film: Effect of Se introduction

“…It is seen from Table 3 that as, Se dipping time increases from 10 to 30 min, R s decreases of from 12 to 5 U for the electrode, respectively. Lower Rct of the CZTSSe film expected relatively high electrical conductivity suggesting more rapid chargetransfer reaction for Li þ insertion/extraction occurs at the interface [27]. The minimum charge transfer resistance (R ct ) of 4.4 U is found for 20 min Se dipping time indicating fast electron diffusion process.…”

A review on applications of Cu2ZnSnS4 as alternative counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells

“…100 Kong et al (2013) has also studied performance of CZTS according to synthesis of one pot route where wurtzite and kesterite both the phases are evaluated to understand the effect of phase purity towards CE application and wurzite phase of CZTS shows enhanced efficiency than kesterite even better than Pt. 120 Spray coated CZTS films are also capable to deliver effective replacement of Pt as reported by Swami et al (2014). 123 An interesting result is also observed by by low cost electrospin technique is exceptionally better than same Pt as a CE.…”

“…120 Spray coated CZTS films are also capable to deliver effective replacement of Pt as reported by Swami et al (2014). 123 An interesting result is also observed by by low cost electrospin technique is exceptionally better than same Pt as a CE. 117 With this, significant contribution reported by using CZTS CEs upon variation on different synthesis procedure and hence morphology along with in-situ film fabrication method of CZTS exhibits competitive performance as a suitable replacement of Pt as concise in Table III.…”

“…45,55,64,97,100,[112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124] Performance of CZTS could be enhanced after treatment with TiCl 4 , making composite with another alternative electro-catalysts such as graphene, carbon or may be variation in the precursor concentration or film deposition mechanism. In situ fabricated CZTS film was shown periodic deposition upon tuning the concentration of CZTS precursor and ethanol during solvothermal synthesis process and designated as CZTS 1,2,3 4, and 5.…”

Investigation of electrodeposited cobalt sulphide counter electrodes and their application in next-generation dye sensitized solar cells featuring organic dyes and cobalt-based redox electrolytes

“…Platinum (Pt) also demonstrates reasonable compatibility with cobalt-based redox electrolytes, however high cost and low availability of Pt have prompted research towards identifying alternative materials with comparable catalytic activity. This includes materials like conducting polymers [16e19], carbon based materials [20e24], inorganic materials [25,26] and electrodeposited cobalt sulphide (CoS) [27e30]. CoS in particular is a non-toxic, low cost and earth abundant compound that may be extremely useful as CE material, particularly for the cobalt-based redox electrolytes employed in next-generation DSSCs.…”