scholarly journals Partial and Total Substitution of Zn by Mg in the Cu2ZnSnS4 Structure

Crystals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 578
Author(s):  
Diana M. Mena Romero ◽  
David Victoria Valenzuela ◽  
Cristy L. Azanza Ricardo
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Band Gap Energy ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Secondary Phases ◽  
Solar Absorber ◽  
High Efficient ◽  
Earth Abundant

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) is a quaternary semiconductor that has emerged as a promising component in solar absorber materials due to its excellent optical properties such as band-gap energy of ca. 1.5 eV and significant absorption coefficient in the order of 10 4 cm − 1 . Nevertheless, the energy conversion efficiency of CZTS-based devices has not reached the theoretical limits yet, possibly due to the existence of antisite defects (such as Cu Zn or Zn Cu ) and secondary phases. Based on electronic similarities with Zn, Mg has been proposed for Zn substitution in the CZTS structure in the design of alternative semiconductors for thin-film solar cell applications. This work aims to study the properties of the CZTS having Mg incorporated in the structure replacing Zn, with the following stoichiometry: x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 in the formula Cu 2 Zn 1 − x Mg x SnS 4 (CZ-MTS). The semiconductor was prepared by the hot injection method, using oleylamine (OLA) as both surfactant and solvent. The presence and concentration of incorporated Mg allowed the fine-tuning of the CZ-MTS semiconductor’s structural and optical properties. Furthermore, it was observed that the inclusion of Mg in the CZTS structure leads to a better embodiment ratio of the Zn during the synthesis, thus reducing the excess of starting precursors. In summary, CZ-MTS is a promising candidate to fabricate high efficient and cost-effective thin-film solar cells made of earth-abundant elements.

Co-electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnS4 thin-film solar cells with over 7% efficiency fabricated via fine-tuning of the Zn content in absorber layers

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (10) ◽  
pp. 3798-3805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiahua Tao ◽  
Leilei Chen ◽  
Huiyi Cao ◽  
Chuanjun Zhang ◽  
Junfeng Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Electrodeposition Process ◽  
Photovoltaic Materials ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Cu2znsns4 Thin Film

A simple and cost-effective co-electrodeposition process has been demonstrated to fabricate high-performance Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) photovoltaic materials with composition tunability and phase controllability.

Effect of Etchant Concentration on the Optical Properties and Surface Topography of MoO3 Selective Solar Absorber Thin Films

MRS Advances ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (21-22) ◽  
pp. 1133-1143 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Akoba ◽  
G. G. Welegergs ◽  
M. Luleka ◽  
J Sackey ◽  
N Nauman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Solar Absorptance ◽  
Solar Absorber ◽  
Solar Absorbers ◽  
Metal Oxide Nanostructures ◽  
Xrd Patterns ◽  
Solar Thermal Applications ◽  
Chemical Etchant

ABSTRACTA novel technique providing a cost effective sustainable wet chemical etching method of synthesizing black Moly thin films rapidly has been presented. A top- down method for fabricating MoO3 has been investigated to understand the effect of chemical etchant concentration on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the thin films on Mo substrates. The XRD patterns demonstrated the formation of Tugarinovite MoO2 films on Mo substrate after annealing at 500°C in a vacuum. In this work, we developed nanostructured MoO3 on Mo substrate solar absorber, with a high solar absorptance of over 89%. These results suggest that solar absorbers made from refractory metal oxide nanostructures can be used for solar thermal applications.

Physical Vapor Deposition Synthesis of Cu3BiS3 for Application in Thin Film Photovoltaics

2005 ◽  
Vol 865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathan J. Gerein ◽  
Joel A. Haber
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Vapor Deposition ◽  
Physical Vapor Deposition ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Photovoltaic Devices ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Solar Absorber ◽  
Solar Absorbers ◽  
Thin Film Photovoltaics ◽  
Combinatorial Methods

AbstractThe development of novel solar absorbers and device configurations that incorporate only materials which are cost effective, abundant, and non-toxic may be required for widespread deployment of photovoltaics. Cu3BiS3 (Eg=1.2 eV) has been previously reported to be a suitable solar absorber for use in thin film photovoltaic devices. We have developed a physical vapor deposition synthesis for Cu3BiS3, and will employ combinatorial methods to identify novel device configurations in an effort to produce a device exhibiting sufficient efficiency to capture the interest of the photovoltaics community.

scholarly journals Gradient dopant profiling and spectral utilization of monolithic thin-film silicon photoelectrochemical tandem devices for solar water splitting

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 4155-4162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihao Han ◽  
Ibadillah A. Digdaya ◽  
Thom W. F. Buijs ◽  
Fatwa F. Abdi ◽  
Zhuangqun Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Silicon Carbide ◽  
Amorphous Silicon ◽  
Water Splitting ◽  
Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Dopant Profiling ◽  
Solar Water Splitting ◽  
Earth Abundant ◽  
Hydrogenated Amorphous

A cost-effective and earth-abundant photocathode based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) is demonstrated to split water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy.

Structural and Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline CdO Thin Film Growth by Solid-Vapor Deposition

2012 ◽  
Vol 620 ◽  
pp. 241-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Zaien ◽  
Naser Mahmoud Ahmed ◽  
Hassan Zainuriah
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Vapor Deposition ◽  
Film Growth ◽  
Cadmium Oxide ◽  
Band Gap Energy ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Nanocrystalline Thin Film ◽  
Direct Band

Nanocrystalline cadmium oxide (CdO) thin film was successfully synthesized by a vapor transport process (solid-vapor deposition) without catalyst. Cadmium powder was heated to 1235 K in a tube furnace, and the resultant vapor was carried to the silicon substrate zone by a flow argon gas with oxygen. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the product was of nanocrystalline cadmium oxide. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray techniques were used to characterize structural properties. The grown nanocrystalline thin film had a grain size of 35 nm. Photoluminescence spectroscopy was conducted to investigate the optical properties of the CdO. The red-shift direct band gap energy of the nanocrystalline CdO was at 511 nm (2.43 eV), whereas that of CdO bulk was at 491 nm (2.5 eV).

scholarly journals Rugometric and Microtopographic Inspection of Cr–Cr2O3Cermet Solar Absorbers

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel F. M. Costa ◽  
V. Teixeira
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Energy Conversion Efficiency ◽  
Pvd Coatings ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Careful Evaluation ◽  
Solar Absorbers ◽  
Topographic Characteristics ◽  
Sputter Deposited

The development of new efficient and cost effective solar energy collectors and converters either quantum or thermal attracts great attention and effort in a number of research laboratories all over the world. Cr–Cr2O3cermet PVD coatings can be successfully employed in thermal converters. Their energy conversion efficiency depends on their chemical and physical structural characteristics and related optical properties like reflectance, emittance, solar light absorption, or absorptance and transmittance. Parameters such as roughness and topographic characteristics of the produced coatings will greatly influence their relevant optical properties. A careful evaluation of the coatings' roughness and their microtopographic inspection is fundamental. The Cr–Cr2O3cermet coatings sputter deposited on cooper and aluminium shows similar absorption (92%) but the first ones present a better emittance and higher waviness (over30%) with similar roughness. In comparison with commercially available solar panels with a slightly better absorption but worse emittance our coatings have a much lower waviness (∼150%) and roughly50%higher roughness.

Air-stable solution processed Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se(1-x))4 thin film solar cells: influence of ink precursors and preparation process

2013 ◽  
Vol 1538 ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Xianzhong Lin ◽  
Jaison Kavalakkatt ◽  
Martha Ch. Lux-Steiner ◽  
Ahmed Ennaoui
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Solar Cells ◽  
Annealing Temperature ◽  
Solution Process ◽  
Stable Solution ◽  
Thin Film Solar Cells ◽  
Secondary Phases ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Earth Abundant

ABSTRACTQuaternary semiconductors, Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4 which contain only earth-abundant elements, have been considered as the alternative absorber layers to Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) for thin film solar cells although CIGS-based solar cells have achieved efficiencies over 20 %. In this work we report an air-stable route for preparation of Cu2ZnSn(Sx,Se(1-x))4 (CZTSSe) thin film absorbers by a solution process based on the binary and ternary chalcogenide nanoparticle precursors dispersed in organic solvents. The CZTSSe absorber layers were achieved by spin coating of the ink precursors followed by annealing under Ar/Se atmosphere at temperature up to 580°C. We have investigated the influence of the annealing temperature on the reduction or elimination of detrimental secondary phases. X-ray diffraction combined with Raman spectroscopy was utilized to better identify the secondary phases existing in the absorber layers. Solar cells were completed by chemical bath deposited CdS buffer layer followed by sputtered i-ZnO/ZnO: Al bi-layers and evaporated Ni/Al grids.

Modification of optical properties of PC-PBT/Cr2O3 and PC-PBT/CdS nanocomposites by gamma irradiation

2020 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 20402
Author(s):  
Kaoutar Benthami ◽  
Mai ME. Barakat ◽  
Samir A. Nouh
Keyword(s):  
Refractive Index ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Band Gap ◽  
Color Difference ◽  
Band Gap Energy ◽  
Polybutylene Terephthalate ◽  
Γ Irradiation ◽  
Gap Energy ◽  
Vis Spectroscopy ◽  
Oxygen Atoms

Nanocomposite (NCP) films of polycarbonate-polybutylene terephthalate (PC-PBT) blend as a host material to Cr2O3 and CdS nanoparticles (NPs) were fabricated by both thermolysis and casting techniques. Samples from the PC-PBT/Cr2O3 and PC-PBT/CdS NCPs were irradiated using different doses (20–110 kGy) of γ radiation. The induced modifications in the optical properties of the γ irradiated NCPs have been studied as a function of γ dose using UV Vis spectroscopy and CIE color difference method. Optical dielectric loss and Tauc's model were used to estimate the optical band gaps of the NCP films and to identify the types of electronic transition. The value of optical band gap energy of PC-PBT/Cr2O3 NCP was reduced from 3.23 to 3.06 upon γ irradiation up to 110 kGy, while it decreased from 4.26 to 4.14 eV for PC-PBT/CdS NCP, indicating the growth of disordered phase in both NCPs. This was accompanied by a rise in the refractive index for both the PC-PBT/Cr2O3 and PC-PBT/CdS NCP films, leading to an enhancement in their isotropic nature. The Cr2O3 NPs were found to be more effective in changing the band gap energy and refractive index due to the presence of excess oxygen atoms that help with the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl group in increasing the chance of covalent bonds formation between the NPs and the PC-PBT blend. Moreover, the color intensity, ΔE has been computed; results show that both the two synthesized NCPs have a response to color alteration by γ irradiation, but the PC-PBT/Cr2O3 has a more response since the values of ΔE achieved a significant color difference >5 which is an acceptable match in commercial reproduction on printing presses. According to the resulting enhancement in the optical characteristics of the developed NCPs, they can be a suitable candidate as activate materials in optoelectronic devices, or shielding sheets for solar cells.

Physical and Optical Properties of The Films Ð’i2Te3-Bi2Se3

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 3017-3022
Author(s):  
Gurban Akhmedov
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Thermal Evaporation ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Internal Surface ◽  
Differential Resistance ◽  
Work Cycle

Results of researches show, that film p-n the structures received by a method of discrete thermal evaporation in a uniform work cycle, are suitable for use in low-voltage devices.  As a result of work are received p-n heterojunctions in thin-film execution, described by high values of differential resistance. Show that, thermo endurance - T0 maybe using as characteristic of thermo endurance of optic materials. If heating flow, destruction temperature and internal surface temperature is measured during test, it is possible to determine value T0 and other necessity characteristics. As a result of the taking test was lead to comparison evaluation of considered materials. Working range of heating flow and up level heating embark have been determined.

Sol-gel growth of Ni doped CdS on glass substrates: effect of spin coating speed and dopant concentration

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atefeh Nazari Setayesh ◽  
Hassan Sedghi
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Spin Coating ◽  
Optical Band Gap ◽  
Dopant Concentration ◽  
Rotation Speed ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Band Gap Energy ◽  
Gap Energy ◽  
Glass Substrates

Background: In this work, CdS thin films were synthesized by sol-gel method (spin coating technique) on glass substrates to investigate the optical behavior of the film. Methods: Different substrate spin coating speeds of 2400, 3000, 3600 rpm and different Ni dopant concentrations of 0 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, 5 wt.%) were investigated. The optical properties of thin films such as refraction index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant and optical band gap energy of the layers were discussed using spectroscopic ellipsometry method in the wavelength range of 300 to 900 nm. Results: It can be deduced that substrate rotation speed and dopant concentration has influenced the optical properties of thin films. By decreasing rotation speed of the substrate which results in films with more thicknesses, more optical interferences were appeared in the results. Conclusion: The samples doped with Ni comparing to pure ones have had more optical band gap energy.

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