Structural features of Cu2MgxZn1−xSnS4 solid solution films for third-generation solar cells

Progress and Prospects with Cationic and Anionic Doping of Solution-Processed Kesterite Solar Absorbers: A Mini-Review

“…The solution-based technique is often preferred nowadays and is used to produce the precursor layers for semiconductors, with complete material usage, less time, and less cost. 28 Mainly, the morphology and structural behavior of kesterites are influenced by the doping of elements. 39,40 After doping, the kesterite absorbers had more homogeneous, crystalline, compact, and enlarged grains.…”

“…The CZTS compound becomes unstable at temperatures greater than 400 °C, forming binary (SnS 2 , SnS, Cu 2 S, and CuS) and ternary secondary phases (Cu 4 SnS 4 , Cu 3 SnS 4 , and Cu 2 SnS 3 ). These secondary phases can act as defects in kesterite and reduce the carrier concentration. ,, The similar chemical coordination as well as ionic size of Cu + and Zn 2+ ions can result in cation disordering defects, leading to very low formation energies for antisite defects. These can act as the recombination centers for the electron hole pairs and further affect the performance of CZTSSe devices …”

“…Thus, adjusting the bandgap of CZTS by replacing Zn with Mg is claimed to be more advantageous. Magnesium ions (Mg 2+ ) instead of Zn 2+ placed in the lattice do not set apart on the surface and/or grain boundaries because the radii of Zn 2+ and Mg 2+ are very similar . When compared to Mg-free CZTS absorbers, structural defects were found to be less in magnesium (Mg)-substituted CZTS absorbers .…”

“…If this band is very close to the valence or conduction band edge, then the bandgap will decrease. There are many articles reporting the reduction in bandgap value of CZTSSe while doping with other elements. , Even though there is no antibonding nature for the doped elements in the host, there will be a slight variation in the bandgap of the material. The bonding nature of the host and doped elements discloses the stability of the material .…”

“…Although both physical and chemical synthesis methods are explored, the chemical solution-based approach is proven to be advantageous in terms of the uniformity of the films produced, complete material utilization, and cost-effectiveness. 28 Recently, there have been many interesting research developments published on the doping of kesterites with a solution-based approach that exhibits good performance improvements. Hence, it is appropriate now to give an update that is specifically focused on solutionprocessed doping in kesterites.…”