scholarly journals Fabrication of CZTS Solar Cells Using Electrodeposition Techniques

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alexander Riches
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
High Current Density ◽  
Furnace Operation ◽  
Solar Cell Device ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Galvanostatic Deposition ◽  
Elemental Layer

Copper zinc tin sulphide (CZTS) is a p-type semiconductor that can be used as the light absorbing layer in thin-film heterojunction solar cells, with the specific advantage of being comprised only of non-toxic, earth abundant elements. There are many methods through which CZTS can by synthesised, one of which is electrodeposition, which is an industrially scalable process used extensively in the steel industry. This thesis details a study of the electrodeposition of stacked elemental layers and their subsequent sulphurisation in the manufacture of CZTS. A range of electrodeposition parameters are tested for each elemental layer, each of which is characterised through a range of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), which enables the development of optimised conditions. It was found that the deposition of copper favoured potentiostatic deposition, with a smooth granular structure being deposited onto molybdenum at -0.98V vs Hg|HgO from a sodium hydroxide based electrolyte, while tin required galvanostatic deposition from a methanesulfonic acid electrolyte in order to return consistent results. This was optimised to an initial high current density period of -20 mA cm-2 for 1.2 s to nucleate grains, falling to -5 mA cm-2 to minimise hydrogen evolution thereafter. Trial of numerous electrolyte formulae found that an acid-sulphate electrolyte gave the most promising results, with galvanostatic deposition at -50 mA cm-2 being found to be suitable. Optimised stacked elemental layer precursors are then progressed to the annealing and sulphurisation stage for conversion into CZTS. One key area of study is the inclusion of a pre-alloying annealing step prior to sulphurisation, and its effect on the morphology of the CZTS films and subsequent solar cell device performance. Pre-alloyed metallic films are extensively characterised by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling, X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and EDS elemental mapping as part of an optimisation process, and Raman spectroscopy is used in conjunction with XRD and EDS in the analysis of CZTS films sulphurised in a rapid thermal processing (RTP) furnace. A pre-alloying step at 300 °C for 10 minutes was found to be sufficient for the deposited elements to fully intermix. It was discovered that not only does the inclusion of an optimised pre-alloying step improve the morphology of the CZTS films and the subsequent solar cell performance, but the integration of a pre-alloying stage with the sulphurisation in a single furnace operation does not lead to any evidence of disadvantage when compared with pre-alloying and sulphurisation processes conducted separately. In fact, 8 out of 45 cells with an integrated pre-alloying process achieved 0.1% efficiency or greater, compared to 5 out of 45 for those that underwent a separate pre-alloying process, and 0 out of 45 for those that received no pre-alloying process. This positive result for the integration of the pre-alloy offers simplification of the manufacturing process for a potential future scaled-up CZTS solar cell device.

Surface Passivation of p-GaTe Layered Crystals for Improved p-GaTe/n-InSe Heterojunction Solar Cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 1268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishna C. Mandal ◽  
Sandip Das ◽  
Ramesh Krishna ◽  
Peter G. Muzykov ◽  
Shuguo Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Surface Passivation ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Heterojunction Solar Cells

AbstractGaTe and GaTe:In single crystals were grown from high purity Ga (7N) and zone refined Te (>7N) precursor materials. InSe thin films were deposited by thermal evaporation onto the sulfur passivated GaTe:In substrates at various substrate temperatures from 450K-550K to fabricate p-GaTe:In/n-InSe heterojunction solar cells. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize GaTe:In crystals and InSe thin film surfaces. The current-voltage characteristics of p-GaTe:In/n-InSe solar cells were measured under dark and under illumination of 75mW/cm2. Dark J-V measurements showed that the reverse saturation current density (J0) decreased from 3.8 x 10-6 A/cm2 to 1.5 x 10-9 A/cm2 and the ideality factor was reduced from 2.04 to 1.15 as a result of surface passivation. Under illumination of 75 mW/cm2, the open-circuit voltage (Voc) increased from 0.54V to 0.68V and short-circuit current density (Jsc) increased from 7.19 mA/cm2 to 8.65 mA/cm2 for solar cells with surface passivated GaTe:In substrates, leading to an increased solar cell efficiency of 5.03%. EPMA measurements revealed that the InSe thin films deposited at 550 K on GaTe:In substrates were near stoichiometric with enhanced grain size contributing also to better solar cell performance.

Direct Correlation of Solar Cell Performance with Metal Impurity Distributions in Polycrystalline Silicon using Synchrotron-Based X-ray Analysis

1998 ◽  
Vol 524 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. McHugo ◽  
A. C. Thompson ◽  
G. Lamble ◽  
A. MacDowell ◽  
R. Celestre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Polycrystalline Silicon ◽  
Current Method ◽  
Chemical State ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Metal Impurity ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
X Ray Absorption

ABSTRACTThe work presented here directly measures metal impurity distributions and their chemical state in as-grown and fully processed polycrystalline silicon used for terrestrial-based solar cells. The goal was to determine if a correlation exists between poorly performing regions of solar cells and metal impurity distributions as well as to ascertain the chemical state of the impurities. Synchrotron-based x-ray fluorescence mapping and x-ray absorption spectroscopy, both with a spatial resolution of lμm, were used to measure impurity distributions and chemical state, respectively, in poorly performing regions of polycrystalline silicon. The Light Beam Induced Current method was used to measure minority carrier recombination in the material in order to identify poor performance regions. We have detected iron, chromium, nickel, gold and copper impurity precipitates and we have recognized a direct correlation between impurity distributions and poor performing regions in both as-grown and fully processed material. Furthermore, from x-ray absorption studies, we have initial results, indicating that the Fe in this material is in oxide form, not FeSi2,. These results provide a fundamental understanding into the efficiency-limiting factors of polycrystalline silicon solar cells as well as yielding insight for methods of solar cell improvement.

scholarly journals Synthesis of ZnO nanorods on ZnO/ITO seed layer by electrochemical method and its application in solar cell device

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-12
Author(s):  
Hoang Cao Son Tran ◽  
Khac Top Le ◽  
Duc Hao Nguyen ◽  
Thi Dong Tri Nguyen ◽  
Kien Quoc Luu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Electrochemical Method ◽  
Zno Nanorods ◽  
Hybrid Solar Cells ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Solar Cell Device ◽  
Sem Images ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Stable Flow

In this paper, we study on the effects of ZnO nanorods /seed ZnO on properties of hybrid solar cells. ZnO nanorods fabricated by electrochemical method of two-step stable flow of liquid Zn(NO3)2. 6H2O (0.005 M) and C6H12N4 (0.005 M). Morphology and optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanorods were studied by SEM images, UV-VIS transmission spectra, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence spectrum. Elaboration of hybrid solar cells by inserting ZnO nanorods on organic photoactive layer of P3HT:PCBM and ITO, as result the solar cell conductivity performance is significantly improved. Experimental results show that ~ 1,392 mA/cm2 Jsc, Voc ~ 0.49 V, FF = 0.32, and PCE = 0.23%.

scholarly journals Fabrication of the Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Film Solar Cell via a Photo-Sintering Technique

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 38
Author(s):  
Vu Minh Han Cao ◽  
Jaesung Bae ◽  
Joongpyo Shim ◽  
Byungyou Hong ◽  
Hongsub Jee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Phase ◽  
Band Gap Energy ◽  
Absorber Layer ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Electron Microscopes

Alternative photo-sintering techniques for thermal annealing processes are used to improve the morphology, layer properties, and enhance solar cell performance. The fast, nontoxic, low cost, and environmentally friendly characteristics of Cu2ZnSnS4 have led to its consideration as an alternative potential absorber layer in copper indium gallium diselenide thin film solar cells. This work investigates the photo-sintering process for the absorber layer of Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells. A Cu2ZnSnS4 layer was grown by hot-injection and screen-printing techniques, and the characteristics of the photo-sintered Cu2ZnSnS4 layer were evaluated by X-ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopes. Overall, the optimal composition was Cu-poor and Zn-rich, without a secondary phase, estimated optical band-gap energy of approximately 1.6 eV, and enhanced morphology and kesterite crystallization. Using an intensity pulse light technique to the CZTS layer, fabrication of the solar cell device demonstrated successfully, and the efficiency of 1.01% was achieved at 2.96 J/cm2.

scholarly journals Enhancement of Solar Cell Performance of Electrodeposited Ti/n-Cu2O/p-Cu2O/Au Homojunction Solar Cells by Interface and Surface Modification

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charith Jayathilaka ◽  
Loku Singgappulige Rosantha Kumara ◽  
Koji Ohara ◽  
Chulho Song ◽  
Shinji Kohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cell ◽  
Current Density ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Open Circuit Voltage ◽  
Short Circuit ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray

Cuprous oxide (Cu2O) homojunction thin films on Ti substrates were fabricated by an electrochemical deposition in which a p-Cu2O layer was deposited on an n-Cu2O layer by carefully controlled bath conditions. It was found that the open-circuit voltage of the homojunction solar cell was significantly influenced by the pH of the lactate bath. The variation of the pH was used to achieve the best possible crystal orientation for homojunctions. The crystallinity and morphology of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-energy x-ray diffraction (HEXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The current density voltage (J-V) analysis showed that the sulfur treatment and annealing enhanced the photocurrent by ten-fold compared to the untreated and unannealed homojunction solar cell. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies confirmed that the sulfur treatment eliminated the surface CuO and formed a thin layer of CuS, which was very useful to make the front Ohmic contact. Transient measurements confirmed that the p-type Cu2O layer, which was subjected to sulfur treatment, significantly reduced the recombination, thus enhancing the efficiency of the solar cell. The best sulfur treated annealed Ti/n-Cu2O/p-Cu2O/Au solar cell produced an energy conversion efficiency of 2.64% with an open-circuit voltage of 490 mV and a short circuit current density of 12.8 mA cm−2 under AM 1.5 illumination.

scholarly journals Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Composed of Nanostructural ZnO Doped with Ti

Catalysts ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mati Rahman ◽  
Mingdeng Wei ◽  
Fengyan Xie ◽  
Matiullah Khan
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
High Surface ◽  
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Dye Sensitized ◽  
Dye Loading ◽  
Sensitized Solar Cells

Photoanode materials with optimized particle sizes, excellent surface area and dye loading capability are preferred in good-performance dye sensitized solar cells. Herein, we report on an efficient dye-sensitized mesoporous photoanode of Ti doped zinc oxide (Ti-ZnO) through a facile hydrothermal method. The crystallinity, morphology, surface area, optical and electrochemical properties of the Ti-ZnO were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It was observed that Ti-ZnO nanoparticles with a high surface area of 131.85 m2 g−1 and a controlled band gap, exhibited considerably increased light harvesting efficiency, dye loading capability, and achieved comparable solar cell performance at a typical nanocrystalline ZnO photoanode.

Germanium Quantum Dot Sensitized TiO2 Solar Cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 442 ◽  
pp. 404-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Abbas ◽  
B. Ali ◽  
S.I. Shah ◽  
P. Akhter
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Dots ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Quantum Dot ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Average Particle Size ◽  
Cell Performance ◽  
Average Particle ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Ge Quantum Dots

The size of Germanium (Ge) Quantum Dots (GQD’s) in Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) can be tailored, using different techniques like sputtering, laser ablation and sol gel. Similarly the absorption range of Ge may also be broadened in visible and NIR range. We report the use of Ge QD’s to sensitize meso-porous TiO2 film to make quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSC) for the next generation photovoltaics. Ge -TiO2 nano-porous thin films were deposited using rf- planer magnetron sputtering using various ranges of rf-power, Argon pressure and substrate temperature. The fabricated films with various Ge concentrations were studied using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High Angle Annular Dark Field Imaging (HAADF) and UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-VIS).In the thin film meso-structure the Ge dots were embedded in the TiO2 matrix. The average particle size of Ge quantum dots was determined by HAADF. The solar cell performance has been checked using sun simulator. Experimental ways to improve cell performance are discussed.

Identification of the dye adsorption modes in dye-sensitised solar cells with X-ray spectroscopy techniques: a computational study

2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (16) ◽  
pp. 10849-10855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Akbari ◽  
Javad Hashemi ◽  
Johannes Niskanen ◽  
Simo Huotari ◽  
Mikko Hakala
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Dye Adsorption ◽  
Dye Molecules ◽  
Reliable Technique ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Adsorption Geometry

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of O 1s is shown to be the most reliable technique in assessing adsorption geometry of dye molecules in a dye-sensitised solar cell.

Geometrical and energetical structural changes in organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells probed using photoelectron spectroscopy and DFT

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna K. Eriksson ◽  
Ida Josefsson ◽  
Hanna Ellis ◽  
Anna Amat ◽  
Mariachiara Pastore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Dye Sensitized Solar Cells ◽  
Cell Performance ◽  
Solar Cell Performance ◽  
Dye Sensitized ◽  
Sensitized Solar Cells

Differences in solar cell performance of triarylamine-based dyes are from calculations and PES measurements attributed to geometrical adsorption differences.

An expanded isoindigo unit as a new building block for a conjugated polymer leading to high-performance solar cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (15) ◽  
pp. 5427-5433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shugang Li ◽  
Zhongcheng Yuan ◽  
Jianyu Yuan ◽  
Ping Deng ◽  
Qing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Cell ◽  
Building Block ◽  
Conjugated Polymer ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Fill Factor ◽  
Solar Cell Device ◽  
Donor Acceptor ◽  
First Time

An expanded isoindigo unit (IBTI) has been incorporated into a donor–acceptor conjugated polymer for the first time. The PCE of the solar cell device based on the new polymer reached 6.41% with a fill factor of 0.71.

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