Sulfurization temperature effects on crystallization and performance of superstrate CZTS solar cells

Payno, David; Kazim, Samrana; Salado, Manuel; Ahmad, Shahzada

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2021.06.038

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 32 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Impedance and capacitance–voltage measurements were performed inside a Faraday box with a Biologic impedance analyzer, following the reported literature, , by applying a 20 mV perturbation in a frequency range from 1 GHz to 100 Hz, and applied constant voltage from −0.5 to 1.5 V. EC-lab software was used to fit the equivalent circuits.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Huang

Sheokand

Payno

et al. 2023

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

To solve the toxicity issues related to lead-based halide perovskite solar cells, the lead-free double halide perovskite Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 is proposed. However, reduced rate of charge transfer in double perovskites affects optoelectronic performance. We designed a series of pyridine-based small molecules with four different arms attached to the pyridine core as hole-selective materials by using interface engineering. We quantified how arm modulation affects the structure−property−device performance relationship. Electrical, structural, and spectroscopic investigations show that the N 3 ,N 3 ,N 6 ,N 6 -tetrakis(4-methoxyphenyl)-9H-carbazole-3,6-diamine arm's robust association with the pyridine core results in an efficient hole extraction for PyDAnCBZ due to higher spin density close to the pyridine core. The solar cells fabricated using Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 as a light harvester and PyDAnCBZ as the hole selective layer measured an unprecedented 2.9% power conversion efficiency. Our computed road map suggests achieving ∼5% efficiency through fine-tuning of Cs 2 AgBiBr 6 . Our findings reveal the principles for designing small molecules for electro-optical applications as well as a synergistic route to develop inorganic lead-free perovskite materials for solar applications.

show abstract

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Huang

Sheokand

Payno

et al. 2023

ACS Appl. Energy Mater.

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, typical electron selective layers (ETL), such as CdS, have low compatibility with CZTS in a superstrate architecture. 21 Here, a compact or nanostructured thin film of TiO 2 can be adopted as ETL. 22 TiO 2 can act as a stable and protective layer for the FTO while also reducing the risk of shunt paths.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a superstrate architecture, a wide variety of materials can be tested as a hole transport layer (HTL) and back contact can be probed, which can facilitate the carrier collection at the back surface and can be adapted to semitransparent, bifacial, or tandem solar cells. However, typical electron selective layers (ETL), such as CdS, have low compatibility with CZTS in a superstrate architecture . Here, a compact or nanostructured thin film of TiO 2 can be adopted as ETL .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Overcoming Limitations in Water–Ethanol Sprayed Superstrate Solar Cells by Compositional Engineering of Cu₂CdSn(S,Se)₄

Payno

Guc

Kazim

et al. 2023

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The increasing demand for solar energy requires materials from earth-abundant elements to ensure cost-effective production. One such light harvester Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 fulfills this property. We report the development of functional solar cells based on Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4, which has been previously unreported. Furthermore, we deposited the thin films of Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 by spray pyrolysis using environmentally benign solvents, in a superstrate architecture, reducing the potential cost of upscaling, the environmental hazards, and enabling its use in semitransparent or tandem solar cells. We analyze the Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4 and its optoelectronic characteristics with different sulfur and selenium ratios in the composition. We noted that Se is homogeneously distributed in the absorber and electron transport layer, forming a Cd(S,Se) phase that impacts the optoelectronic properties. The introduction of Se, up to 30%, is found to have a positive impact on the solar cell performance, largely improving the fill factor and absorption in the infrared region, while the voltage deficit is reduced. The device with a Cu2CdSn(S2.8Se1.2) composition had a 3.5% solar-to-electric conversion efficiency, which is on par with the reported values for chalcogenides and the first report using Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4. We identified the critical factors that limit the efficiency, revealing pathways to further reduce the losses and improve the performance. This work provides the first proof of concept of a novel material, paving the way for developing cost-efficient solar cells based on earth-abundant materials.

show abstract

“…Others like Borate et al [11], have examined the effect of deposition potential on the composition and morphology of CZTS thin films, whilst Mahjoubi et al [12] reported on the influence of the concentration of Cu in the precursor solution, on some properties of the films. Payno et al [13] published an article on the effect of sulfurization temperature on a CZTS solar cell. These investigations are needed to determine the right synthesis conditions needed for optimum device performance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The CZTS Thin Films Grown by Sulfurization of Electrodeposited Metallic Precursors: The Effect of Increasing Tin Content of the Metallic Precursors on the Structure, Morphology and Optical Properties of the Thin Films

Botchway,

Ampong,

Nkrumah

et al. 2023

East Eur. J. Phys.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A study has been carried out to investigate the influence of the amount of Sn in the precursor solution, on some physical properties of CZTS films grown by sulfurization of electrodeposited metallic precursors. The growth of the CZTS samples was achieved by sequential electrodepositon of constituent metallic layers on ITO glass substrates using a 3-electrode electrochemical cell with graphite as a counter electrode and Ag/AgCl as the reference electrode. The Sn-content in the metallic precursor was varied by varying the deposition time of Sn. The stacked elemental layer was then soft annealed in Argon at 350 °C, and subsequently sulfurized at 550° C to grow the CZTS thin films. The structure, morphology and optical properties were investigated. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that, irrespective of the Sn content all the films were polycrystalline and exhibited the Kesterite CZTS structure with preferred orientation along the (112) plane. However, there was an increase in the amount of peaks indexed to the undesirable secondary phases, as the Sn content in metallic precursor was increased. Optical absorption measurements revealed the existence of a direct transition with band gap values decreasing from 1.74 eV to 1.25 eV with increasing amounts of Sn. The lower value for the band gap was attributed to the presence of secondary phases formed in addition to the CZTS film. Morphology of the sulfurized films showed a compact and rocky texture with good coverage across the entire substrate. However, CZTS films with a higher Sn content appeared to have a molten metallic surface with deep cracks which could have adverse effects on the electrical properties of the film. EDAX analysis showed all the films were consistent with the formation of CZTS. It is evident from all the characterization techniques that increasing the Sn content of the stacked metallic precursors beyond stoichiometric amounts had an adverse effect on the structural and optical properties of CZTS films grown by this technique.

show abstract

Sulfurization temperature effects on crystallization and performance of superstrate CZTS solar cells

Cited by 9 publications

References 32 publications

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Overcoming Limitations in Water–Ethanol Sprayed Superstrate Solar Cells by Compositional Engineering of Cu₂CdSn(S,Se)₄

The CZTS Thin Films Grown by Sulfurization of Electrodeposited Metallic Precursors: The Effect of Increasing Tin Content of the Metallic Precursors on the Structure, Morphology and Optical Properties of the Thin Films

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Sulfurization temperature effects on crystallization and performance of superstrate CZTS solar cells

Cited by 9 publications

References 32 publications

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Molecular Tailoring of Pyridine Core-Based Hole Selective Layer for Lead Free Double Perovskite Solar Cells Fabrication

Overcoming Limitations in Water–Ethanol Sprayed Superstrate Solar Cells by Compositional Engineering of Cu2CdSn(S,Se)4

The CZTS Thin Films Grown by Sulfurization of Electrodeposited Metallic Precursors: The Effect of Increasing Tin Content of the Metallic Precursors on the Structure, Morphology and Optical Properties of the Thin Films

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About

Overcoming Limitations in Water–Ethanol Sprayed Superstrate Solar Cells by Compositional Engineering of Cu₂CdSn(S,Se)₄