1
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Shah UA, Wang A, Irfan Ullah M, Ishaq M, Shah IA, Zeng Y, Abbasi MS, Umair MA, Farooq U, Liang GX, Sun K. A Deep Dive into Cu 2ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) Solar Cells: A Review of Exploring Roadblocks, Breakthroughs, and Shaping the Future. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310584. [PMID: 38470191 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Renewable energy is crucial for sustainable future, and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) based solar cells shine as a beacon of hope. CZTS, composed of abundant, low-cost, and non-toxic elements, shares similarities with Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). However, despite its promise and appealing properties for solar cells, CZTS-based solar cells faces performance challenges owing to inherent issues with CZTS material, and conventional substrate structure complexities. This review critically examines these roadblocks, explores ongoing efforts and breakthroughs, providing insight into the evolving landscape of CZTS-based solar cells research. Furthermore, as an optimistic turn in the field, the review first highlights the crucial need to transition to a superstrate structure for CZTS-based single junction devices, and summarizes the substantial progress made in this direction. Subsequently, dive into the discussion about the fascinating realm of CZTS-based tandem devices, providing an overview of the existing literature as well as outlining the possible potential strategies for enhancing the efficiency of such devices. Finally, the review provides a useful outlook that outlines the priorities for future research and suggesting where efforts should concentrate to shape the future of CZTS-based solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Ali Shah
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, via Giovanni Sansone 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, 50019, Italy
| | - Ao Wang
- School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Muhammad Irfan Ullah
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Joint International Research Laboratory of Carbon-Based Functional Materials and Devices, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Muhammad Ishaq
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Thin Films and Applications, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, P.R. China
| | - Imtiaz Alam Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 04436, Pakistan
| | - Yiyu Zeng
- School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Misbah Sehar Abbasi
- College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P.R. China
| | - Muhammad Ali Umair
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara, 1, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, I-50019, Italy
| | - Umar Farooq
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, 321004, P. R. China
| | - Guang-Xing Liang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Thin Films and Applications, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, P.R. China
| | - Kaiwen Sun
- School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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2
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Gunatilleke WDCB, Ojo OP, Nolas GS. Thermal properties of cubic NaSbS 2: diffusion dominant thermal transport above the Debye temperature. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:10936-10939. [PMID: 37605517 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03455k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
We elucidate the thermal properties of superionic conductors, which are of intense current interest for solid-state battery applications. The temperature-dependent thermal properties of superionic NaSbS2 were investigated by analyses of appropriate models revealing that a predominant contribution to thermal transport above the Debye temperature is from thermal diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oluwagbemiga P Ojo
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| | - George S Nolas
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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3
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Ojo OP, Gunatilleke WDCB, Poddig H, Wang H, Martin J, Kirsch DJ, Nolas GS. Synthesis, structure, electronic and thermal properties of sphalerite CuZn 2InS 4. Dalton Trans 2021; 50:17611-17617. [PMID: 34792518 DOI: 10.1039/d1dt03218f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Quaternary chalcogenides continue to be of interest due to the variety of physical properties they possess, as well as their potential for different applications of interest. Investigations on materials with the sphalerite crystal structure have only recently begun. In this study we have synthesized sulfur-based sphalerite quaternary chalcogenides, including off-stoichiometric compositions, and investigated the temperature-dependent electronic, thermal and structural properties of these materials. Insulating to semiconducting transport is observed with stoichiometric variation, and analyses of heat capacity and thermal expansion revealed lattice anharmonicity that contributes to the low thermal conductivity these materials possess. We include similar analyses for CuZn2InSe4 and compare these sphalerite quaternary chalcogenides to that of zinc blende binaries in order to fully understand the origin of the low thermal conductivity these quaternary chalcogenides possess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwagbemiga P Ojo
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
| | | | - Hagen Poddig
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Hsin Wang
- Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Joshua Martin
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Dylan J Kirsch
- Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - George S Nolas
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620, USA.
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4
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Gunatilleke WDCB, Hobbis D, Poddig H, Tinkess A, Beekman M, Wang H, Wei K, Baumbach RE, Nolas GS. Structural, Electronic, and Thermal Properties of CdSnAs 2. Inorg Chem 2020; 59:3079-3084. [PMID: 32049498 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b03424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Structural, electrical, and thermal properties of CdSnAs2, with analyses from temperature-dependent transport properties over a large temperature range, are reported. Phase-pure microcrystalline powders were synthesized that were subsequently densified to a high-density homogeneous polycrystalline specimen for this study. Temperature-dependent transport indicates n-type semiconducting behavior with a very high and nearly temperature independent mobility over the entire measured temperature range, attributed to the very small electron effective mass of this material. The Debye model was successfully applied to model the thermal conductivity and specific heat. This work contributes to the fundamental understanding of this material, providing further insight and allowing for investigations into altering this and related physical properties of these materials for technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dean Hobbis
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Hagen Poddig
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States.,Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Austin Tinkess
- Department of Physics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California 93407, United States
| | - Matt Beekman
- Department of Physics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California 93407, United States
| | - Hsin Wang
- Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831, United States
| | - Kaya Wei
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States
| | - Ryan E Baumbach
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32310, United States.,Department of Physics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida 32306, United States
| | - George S Nolas
- Department of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
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5
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Minnam Reddy VR, Pallavolu MR, Guddeti PR, Gedi S, Yarragudi Bathal Reddy KK, Pejjai B, Kim WK, Kotte TRR, Park C. Review on Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 thin films and their photovoltaic performance. J IND ENG CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2019.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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6
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Trifiletti V, Mostoni S, Butrichi F, Acciarri M, Binetti S, Scotti. R. Study of Precursor‐Inks Designed for High‐Quality Cu
2
ZnSnS
4
Films for Low‐Cost PV Application. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201900170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vanira Trifiletti
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
| | - Silvia Mostoni
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
| | - Fabio Butrichi
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
| | - Maurizio Acciarri
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
- Interdepartmental Microscopy LaboratoryUniversity of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
| | - Simona Binetti
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Scotti.
- Department of Materials Science and Solar Energy Research Center (MIB-SOLAR)University of Milano - Bicocca Via Cozzi 55 20125 Milan Italy
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7
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Alanazi AM, Alam F, Salhi A, Missous M, Thomas AG, O'Brien P, Lewis DJ. A molecular precursor route to quaternary chalcogenide CFTS (Cu2FeSnS4) powders as potential solar absorber materials. RSC Adv 2019; 9:24146-24153. [PMID: 35527861 PMCID: PMC9069629 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra02926e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present work we report on the synthesis of a tetragonal phase of stannite Cu2FeSnS4 powder from Sn(ii) and Sn(iv) using a solvent free melt method using a mixture of Cu, Fe, Sn(ii)/Sn(iv) O-ethylxanthates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Firoz Alam
- School of Chemistry
- University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
- School of Materials
| | - Abdelmajid Salhi
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | - Mohamed Missous
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- The University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
| | | | - Paul O'Brien
- School of Chemistry
- University of Manchester
- Manchester
- UK
- School of Materials
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8
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Synthesis of binary Cu-Se and In-Se nanoparticle inks using cherry blossom gum for CuInSe2 thin film solar cell applications. KOREAN J CHEM ENG 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11814-018-0155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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9
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Stroyuk O, Raevskaya A, Gaponik N. Solar light harvesting with multinary metal chalcogenide nanocrystals. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:5354-5422. [PMID: 29799031 DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00029h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The paper reviews the state of the art in the synthesis of multinary (ternary, quaternary and more complex) metal chalcogenide nanocrystals (NCs) and their applications as a light absorbing or an auxiliary component of light-harvesting systems. This includes solid-state and liquid-junction solar cells and photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical systems designed for the conversion of solar light into the electric current or the accumulation of solar energy in the form of products of various chemical reactions. The review discusses general aspects of the light absorption and photophysical properties of multinary metal chalcogenide NCs, the modern state of the synthetic strategies applied to produce the multinary metal chalcogenide NCs and related nanoheterostructures, and recent achievements in the metal chalcogenide NC-based solar cells and the photocatalytic/photoelectrochemical systems. The review is concluded by an outlook with a critical discussion of the most promising ways and challenging aspects of further progress in the metal chalcogenide NC-based solar photovoltaics and photochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Stroyuk
- L.V. Pysarzhevsky Institute of Physical Chemistry, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 03028 Kyiv, Ukraine.
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10
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Jankowska J, Prezhdo OV. Ferroelectric Alignment of Organic Cations Inhibits Nonradiative Electron-Hole Recombination in Hybrid Perovskites: Ab Initio Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics. J Phys Chem Lett 2017; 8:812-818. [PMID: 28146626 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.7b00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites show impressive potential for photovoltaic applications and currently give rise to one of the most vibrant research areas in the field. Until recently, the electrostatic interactions between their organic and inorganic components were considered mostly for stabilization of the fragile perovskite structure. We study the effect of local interactions of polar C-N bonds in the organic layer on the nonradiative electron-hole recombination in the recently reported room-temperature ferroelectric hybrid perovskite, (benzylammonium)2PbCl4. Using nonadiabatic molecular dynamics and real-time time-dependent density functional theory, we show that ferroelectric alignment of the polar groups weakens the electron-phonon nonadiabatic coupling and inhibits the nonradiative charge recombination. The effect is attributed to suppression of contributions of higher frequency phonons to the electron-phonon coupling. The coupling is dominated in the ferroelectric phase by slower collective motions. We also demonstrate the importance of van der Waals interactions for the charge-phonon relaxation in the hybrid perovskite systems. Combined with the long-range charge separation achievable in the ferroelectric phase, the weakened electron-phonon coupling indicates that ferroelectric order in hybrid perovskites can lead to increased excited-state lifetimes and improved solar energy conversion performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Jankowska
- Institute of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences , 02-668 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Oleg V Prezhdo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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11
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Tiwari D, Koehler T, Lin X, Sarua A, Harniman R, Wang L, Klenk R, Fermin DJ. Single Molecular Precursor Solution for CuIn(S,Se) 2 Thin Films Photovoltaic Cells: Structure and Device Characteristics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:2301-2308. [PMID: 28032981 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A single molecular precursor solution is described for the deposition of CuIn(S,Se)2 (CIS) film onto Mo-coated glass substrates by spin coating, followed by annealing in Se atmosphere. Characterization of the films by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy demonstrates the formation of a highly homogeneous and compact 1.1 μm thick CIS layer, with a MoSe2 under-layer. Atomic force microscopy reveals the presence of spherical grains between 400 and 450 nm, featuring surface corrugation in the range of 30 nm. Film composition is found to be in close agreement with that of the precursor solution. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy shows a direct band gap (Eg) of 1.36 eV. Intensity and temperature dependence photoluminescence spectra show characteristic features associated with a donor-acceptor pair recombination mechanism, featuring activation energy of 34 meV. Over 85 solar cell devices with the configuration Mo/CIS/CdS/i-ZnO/Al:ZnO/Ni-Al and an total area of 0.5 cm2 were fabricated and tested. The champion cell shows a power efficiency of 3.4% with an open circuit voltage of 521 mV and short circuit current of 14 mA/cm2 under AM 1.5 illumination and an external quantum efficiency above 60%. Overall variation in each of solar cell parameters remains below 10% of the average value, demonstrating the remarkable homogeneity of this solution processing method. To understand the limitation of devices, the dependence of the open-circuit voltage and impedance spectra upon temperature were analyzed. The data reveal that the CuIn(S,Se)2/CdS interface is the main recombination pathway with an activation energy of 0.79 eV as well as the presence of two "bulk" defect states with activation energies of 37 and 122 meV. We also estimated that the MoSe2 under-layer generates back contact barrier of 195 meV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Tiwari
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Tristan Koehler
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, D-14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Xianzhong Lin
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, D-14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrei Sarua
- H.H. Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol , Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL. United Kingdom
| | - Robert Harniman
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
| | - Lan Wang
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, D-14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Reiner Klenk
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, D-14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - David J Fermin
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol , Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, United Kingdom
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12
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Arnou P, van Hest MFAM, Cooper CS, Malkov AV, Walls JM, Bowers JW. Hydrazine-Free Solution-Deposited CuIn(S,Se)2 Solar Cells by Spray Deposition of Metal Chalcogenides. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:11893-11897. [PMID: 27135679 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b01541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Solution processing of semiconductors, such as CuInSe2 and its alloys (CIGS), can significantly reduce the manufacturing costs of thin film solar cells. Despite the recent success of solution deposition approaches for CIGS, toxic reagents such as hydrazine are usually involved, which introduce health and safety concerns. Here, we present a simple and safer methodology for the preparation of high-quality CuIn(S, Se)2 absorbers from metal sulfide solutions in a diamine/dithiol mixture. The solutions are sprayed in air, using a chromatography atomizer, followed by a postdeposition selenization step. Two different selenization methods are explored resulting in power conversion efficiencies of up to 8%.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maikel F A M van Hest
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory , 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, Colorado 80401-3305, United States
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13
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Hsiang HI, Chiang CY, Hsu WH, Chen WS, Chang JE. Leaching and re-synthesis of CIGS nanocrystallites from spent CIGS targets. ADV POWDER TECHNOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Cheshme Khavar AH, Mahjoub AR, Tajabadi F, Dehghani M, Taghavinia N. Preparation of a CuInS2Nanoparticle Ink and Application in a Selenization-Free, Solution-Processed Superstrate Solar Cell. Eur J Inorg Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201500749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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15
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Septina W, Kurihara M, Ikeda S, Nakajima Y, Hirano T, Kawasaki Y, Harada T, Matsumura M. Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)₂ thin film solar cell with 10.7% conversion efficiency obtained by selenization of the Na-doped spray-pyrolyzed sulfide precursor film. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2015; 7:6472-9. [PMID: 25774908 DOI: 10.1021/am507684x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Selenium-rich Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGSSe) thin films on an Mo-coated soda-lime glass substrate were fabricated by spray pyrolysis of an aqueous precursor solution containing Cu(NO3)2, In(NO3)3, Ga(NO3)3, and thiourea followed by selenization at 560 °C for 10 min. We studied the effects of intentional sodium addition on the structural and morphological properties of the fabricated CIGSSe films by dissolving NaNO3 in the aqueous precursor solution. The addition of sodium was found to affect the morphology of the final CIGSSe film: the film had denser morphology than that of the CIGSSe film obtained without addition of NaNO3. Photoelectrochemical measurements also revealed that the acceptor density of the nondoped CIGSSe film was relatively high (N(a) = 7.2 × 10(17) cm(-3)) and the addition of sodium led to a more favorable value for solar cell application (N(a) = 1.8 × 10(17) cm(-3)). As a result, a solar cell based on the sodium-modified CIGSSe film exhibited maximum conversion efficiency of 8.8%, which was significantly higher than that of the cell based on nondoped CIGSSe (4.4%). In addition, by applying MgF2 antireflection coating to the device, the maximum efficiency was further improved to 10.7%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilman Septina
- †Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | | | - Shigeru Ikeda
- †Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoshihito Kawasaki
- †Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Takashi Harada
- †Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Michio Matsumura
- †Research Center for Solar Energy Chemistry, Osaka University 1-3 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
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16
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Pathak S, Sepe A, Sadhanala A, Deschler F, Haghighirad A, Sakai N, Goedel KC, Stranks SD, Noel N, Price M, Hüttner S, Hawkins NA, Friend RH, Steiner U, Snaith HJ. Atmospheric influence upon crystallization and electronic disorder and its impact on the photophysical properties of organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells. ACS NANO 2015; 9:2311-20. [PMID: 25712705 DOI: 10.1021/nn506465n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, solution-processable organic-inorganic metal halide perovskites have come to the fore as a result of their high power-conversion efficiencies (PCE) in photovoltaics, exceeding 17%. To attain reproducibility in the performance, one of the critical factors is the processing conditions of the perovskite film, which directly influences the photophysical properties and hence the device performance. Here we study the effect of annealing parameters on the crystal structure of the perovskite films and correlate these changes with its photophysical properties. We find that the crystal formation is kinetically driven by the annealing atmosphere, time and temperature. Annealing in air produces an improved crystallinity and large grain domains as compared to nitrogen. Lower photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) and shorter photoluminescence (PL) lifetimes are observed for nitrogen annealed perovskite films as compared to the air-annealed counterparts. We note that the limiting nonradiative pathways (i.e., maximizing PLQE) is important for obtaining the highest device efficiency. This indicates a critical impact of the atmosphere upon crystallization and the ultimate device performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Pathak
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Alessandro Sepe
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Aditya Sadhanala
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Felix Deschler
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Haghighirad
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Nobuya Sakai
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Karl C Goedel
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel D Stranks
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Nakita Noel
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Price
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Sven Hüttner
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas A Hawkins
- §Oxford Silk Group, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, United Kingdom
| | - Richard H Friend
- ‡Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom
| | - Ullrich Steiner
- ⊥Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Henry J Snaith
- †Clarendon Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, United Kingdom
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Wang W, Tadé MO, Shao Z. Research progress of perovskite materials in photocatalysis- and photovoltaics-related energy conversion and environmental treatment. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:5371-408. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00113g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 598] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Perovskite materials are shown to be active in the applications of photocatalysis- and photovoltaics-related energy conversion and environmental treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Curtin University
- Perth
- Australia
| | - Moses O. Tadé
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Curtin University
- Perth
- Australia
| | - Zongping Shao
- Department of Chemical Engineering
- Curtin University
- Perth
- Australia
- State Key Laboratory of Materials-Oriented Chemical Engineering
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18
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Cheshmekhavar AH, Mahjoub AR, Fakhri H, Dehghani M. An all solution-based process for the fabrication of superstrate-type configuration CuInS2 thin film solar cells. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra17745f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CuInS2 (CIS) thin films have proven to be promising candidates for photovoltaic technology but still the cost and safety of their fabrication processes remain challenging topics for research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hanieh Fakhri
- Department of Chemistry
- Tarbiat Modares University
- Tehran
- Iran
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19
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Cholula-Díaz JL, Wagner G, Friedrich D, Oeckler O, Krautscheid H. Synthesis of CuInS2 nanocrystals from a molecular complex – characterization of the orthorhombic domain structure. Dalton Trans 2015; 44:14227-34. [DOI: 10.1039/c5dt00419e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
HRTEM images and SAED patterns reveal the orthorhombic domain structure of CuInS2 nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerald Wagner
- Institut für Mineralogie
- Kristallographie und Materialwissenschaft
- Universität Leipzig
- 04275 Leipzig
- Germany
| | - Dirk Friedrich
- Institut für Anorganische Chemie
- Universität Leipzig
- 04103 Leipzig
- Germany
| | - Oliver Oeckler
- Institut für Mineralogie
- Kristallographie und Materialwissenschaft
- Universität Leipzig
- 04275 Leipzig
- Germany
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20
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Singh M, Jiu J, Sugahara T, Suganuma K. Thin-film copper indium gallium selenide solar cell based on low-temperature all-printing process. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:16297-16303. [PMID: 25180569 DOI: 10.1021/am504509r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In the solar cell field, development of simple, low-cost, and low-temperature fabrication processes has become an important trend for energy-saving and environmental issues. Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells have attracted much attention due to the high absorption coefficient, tunable band gap energy, and high efficiency. However, vacuum and high-temperature processing in fabrication of solar cells have limited the applications. There is a strong need to develop simple and scalable methods. In this work, a CIGS solar cell based on all printing steps and low-temperature annealing is developed. CIGS absorber thin film is deposited by using dodecylamine-stabilized CIGS nanoparticle ink followed by printing buffer layer. Silver nanowire (AgNW) ink and sol-gel-derived ZnO precursor solution are used to prepare a highly conductive window layer ZnO/[AgNW/ZnO] electrode with a printing method that achieves 16 Ω/sq sheet resistance and 94% transparency. A CIGS solar cell based on all printing processes exhibits efficiency of 1.6% with open circuit voltage of 0.48 V, short circuit current density of 9.7 mA/cm(2), and fill factor of 0.34 for 200 nm thick CIGS film, fabricated under ambient conditions and annealed at 250 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjeet Singh
- Department of Advanced Interconnection Materials, Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University Mihogaoka 8-1, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
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21
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Efficient organometal trihalide perovskite planar-heterojunction solar cells on flexible polymer substrates. Nat Commun 2014; 4:2761. [PMID: 24217714 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 559] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organometal trihalide perovskite solar cells offer the promise of a low-cost easily manufacturable solar technology, compatible with large-scale low-temperature solution processing. Within 1 year of development, solar-to-electric power-conversion efficiencies have risen to over 15%, and further imminent improvements are expected. Here we show that this technology can be successfully made compatible with electron acceptor and donor materials generally used in organic photovoltaics. We demonstrate that a single thin film of the low-temperature solution-processed organometal trihalide perovskite absorber CH3NH3PbI3-xClx, sandwiched between organic contacts can exhibit devices with power-conversion efficiency of up to 10% on glass substrates and over 6% on flexible polymer substrates. This work represents an important step forward, as it removes most barriers to adoption of the perovskite technology by the organic photovoltaic community, and can thus utilize the extensive existing knowledge of hybrid interfaces for further device improvements and flexible processing platforms.
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22
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Kirkeminde A, Gingrich P, Gong M, Cui H, Ren S. Iron sulfide ink for the growth of pyrite crystals. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 25:205603. [PMID: 24785778 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/20/205603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Iron pyrite (FeS2, Fool's Gold) is a non-toxic, earth abundant semiconductor that exhibits promise for use in energy conversion and storage devices, such as the cathode material for batteries, thermoelectrics and optoelectronics. However, pyrite's potential as an energy-critical material is being curbed due to problems with controlling composition, stoichiometry and bulk and surface defects. To overcome these problems, simple and scalable methods to grow high quality crystalline pyrite for in-depth studies are necessary. In this study, we report a facile approach to create high quality, micron sized pyrite crystals from the FeS wire molecular ink. Growth of high quality pyrite crystals is examined and a model for growth and surface facet dependent activation energy is proposed. Unique thermal measurements are preformed that allow for insight into the pyrite's crystallinity and thermoconductive properties. It is shown that as made pyrite crystals exhibit high crystallinity which will be vital for future in-depth studies and device fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Kirkeminde
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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23
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Lee D, Yong K. Solution-processed Cu2ZnSnS4 superstrate solar cell using vertically aligned ZnO nanorods. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 25:065401. [PMID: 24434835 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/6/065401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
One-dimensional (1D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are considered to be promising materials for use in thin film solar cells because of their high light harvesting and charge collection efficiencies. We firstly report enhanced photovoltaic performances in Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin film solar cells prepared using ZnO nanostructures. A CdS-coated, vertically well-aligned ZnO nanorod (NR) array was prepared via a hydrothermal reaction and nanocrystal layer deposition (NCLD) and was used as a transparent window/buffer layer in a CZTS thin film photovoltaic. A light absorber CZTS thin film was prepared on the CdS/ZnO NRs in air by depositing a non-toxic precursor solution that was annealed in two steps at temperatures up to 250 °C. The crystallized CZTS phase completely infiltrated the CdS/ZnO NR array. The nanostructured ZnO array provided improved light harvesting behavior compared to a thin film configuration by measuring UV-vis transmittance spectroscopy. The prepared CZTS/CdS/ZnO NR device exhibited a solar energy conversion efficiency of 1.2%, which is the highest efficiency yet reported for nanostructured superstrate CZTS solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwook Lee
- Surface Chemistry Laboratory of Electronic Materials (SCHEMA), Department of Chemical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784, Korea
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24
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Colloidally stable selenium@copper selenide core@shell nanoparticles as selenium source for manufacturing of copper–indium–selenide solar cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 2014; 415:103-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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25
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An HS, Cho Y, Park SJ, Jeon HS, Hwang YJ, Kim DW, Min BK. Cocktails of paste coatings for performance enhancement of CuInGaS(2) thin-film solar cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2014; 6:888-893. [PMID: 24377257 DOI: 10.1021/am404164b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To fabricate low-cost and printable wide-bandgap CuInxGa1-xS2 (CIGS) thin-film solar cells, a method based on a precursor solution was developed. In particular, under this method, multiple coatings with two pastes with different properties (e.g., viscosity) because of the different binder materials added were applied. Paste A could form a thin, dense layer enabling a high-efficiency solar cell but required several coating and drying cycles for the desired film thickness. On the other hand, paste B could easily form one-micrometer-thick films by means of a one-time spin-coating process but the porous microstructure limited the solar cell performance. Three different configurations of the CIGS films (A + B, B + A, and A + B + A) were realized by multiple coatings with the two pastes to find the optimal stacking configuration for a combination of the advantages of each paste. Solar cell devices using these films showed a notable difference in their photovoltaic characteristics. The bottom dense layer increased the minority carrier diffusion length and enhanced the short-circuit current. The top dense layer could suppress interface recombination but exhibited a low optical absorption, thereby decreasing the photocurrent. As a result, the A + B configuration could be suggested as a desirable simple stacking structure. The solar cell with A + B coating showed a highly improved efficiency (4.66%) compared to the cell with a film prepared by paste B only (2.90%), achieved by simple insertion of a single thin (200 nm), dense layer between the Mo back contact and a thick porous CIGS layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Sang An
- Clean Energy Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology , 39-1 Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea
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26
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Abstract
This review focuses on the various synthetic approaches to upconversion nanocrystals and recent developments in the photovoltaic applications of upconversion nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthiban Ramasamy
- Department of Chemistry and GETRC
- Kongju National University
- Kongju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jinkwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and GETRC
- Kongju National University
- Kongju, Republic of Korea
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27
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Larramona G, Bourdais S, Jacob A, Choné C, Muto T, Cuccaro Y, Delatouche B, Moisan C, Péré D, Dennler G. Efficient Cu2ZnSnS4solar cells spray coated from a hydro-alcoholic colloid synthesized by instantaneous reaction. RSC Adv 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra01707b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A fast simple preparation based on spraying a Cu–Zn–Sn–S colloid and a sequentially annealing in N2and H2S yields compact, continuous layers with grain size of micron order.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alain Jacob
- IMRA Europe S.A.S
- F-06904 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - Takuma Muto
- IMRA Europe S.A.S
- F-06904 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - Yan Cuccaro
- IMRA Europe S.A.S
- F-06904 Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | | | - Daniel Péré
- IMRA Europe S.A.S
- F-06904 Sophia Antipolis, France
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28
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Stranks SD, Eperon GE, Grancini G, Menelaou C, Alcocer MJP, Leijtens T, Herz LM, Petrozza A, Snaith HJ. Electron-hole diffusion lengths exceeding 1 micrometer in an organometal trihalide perovskite absorber. Science 2013; 342:341-4. [PMID: 24136964 DOI: 10.1126/science.1243982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3178] [Impact Index Per Article: 288.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Organic-inorganic perovskites have shown promise as high-performance absorbers in solar cells, first as a coating on a mesoporous metal oxide scaffold and more recently as a solid layer in planar heterojunction architectures. Here, we report transient absorption and photoluminescence-quenching measurements to determine the electron-hole diffusion lengths, diffusion constants, and lifetimes in mixed halide (CH3NH3PbI(3-x)Cl(x)) and triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite absorbers. We found that the diffusion lengths are greater than 1 micrometer in the mixed halide perovskite, which is an order of magnitude greater than the absorption depth. In contrast, the triiodide absorber has electron-hole diffusion lengths of ~100 nanometers. These results justify the high efficiency of planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells and identify a critical parameter to optimize for future perovskite absorber development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel D Stranks
- University of Oxford, Clarendon Laboratory, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PU, UK
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29
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Solution processable titanium dioxide precursor and nanoparticulated ink: application in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells. J Colloid Interface Sci 2013; 416:112-8. [PMID: 24326146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2013.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Colloidal TiO2 anatase nanoparticles of 4-8 nm diameter capped with 3,6,9-trioxadecanoic acid (TODA) were synthesized at low temperature using water and ethanol as the solvents. ATR-FTIR and (1)H NMR characterization showed the capping acid capability of stabilizing the TiO2 nanoparticles through labile hydrogen bonds. The presence of the capping ligand permitted the further preparation of homogeneous and stable colloidal dispersions of the TiO2 powder in aqueous media. Moreover, after solvent evaporation, the ligand could be easily eliminated by soft treatments, such as UV irradiation or low-temperature thermal annealing. These properties have been used in this work to fabricate mesoporous TiO2 electrodes, which can be applied as photoanodes in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs). For the preparation of the electrodes, the as-synthesized mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles were mixed with commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25) and deposited on FTO substrates by using the doctor blade technique. A mixture of water and ethanol was used as the solvent. A soft thermal treatment at 140 °C for 2h eliminated the organic compound and produced a sintered mesoporous layer of 6 μm thickness. The photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs applying these electrodes sensitized with the N3 dye resulted in 5.6% power conversion efficiency.
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30
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Band-gap-graded Cu2ZnSn(S1-x,Se(x))4 solar cells fabricated by an ethanol-based, particulate precursor ink route. Sci Rep 2013; 3:3069. [PMID: 24166151 PMCID: PMC3810660 DOI: 10.1038/srep03069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Solution processing of earth-abundant Cu2ZnSn(S1-x,Sex)4 (CZTSSe) absorber materials is an attractive research area in the economical and large-scale deployment of photovoltaics. Here, a band-gap-graded CZTSSe thin-film solar cell with 7.1% efficiency was developed using non-toxic solvent-based ink without the involvement of complex particle synthesis, highly toxic solvents, or organic additives. Despite the high series resistance due to the presence of a thick Mo(S,Se)x layer and Zn(S,Se) aggregates, a high short-circuit current density (JSC) was generated. In addition, there was no significant difference in open circuit voltages (VOC) between CZTS (0.517 V) and CZTSSe (0.505–0.479 V) cells, despite a significant band gap change from 1.51 eV to 1.24 eV. The high JSC and less loss of VOC are attributed to the effect of band gap grading induced by Se grading in the CZTSSe absorber layer. Our environmentally benign ink approach will enable the realization of low-cost, large-area, high-efficiency thin-film solar cells.
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31
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Mitzi DB, Gunawan O, Todorov TK, Barkhouse DAR. Prospects and performance limitations for Cu-Zn-Sn-S-Se photovoltaic technology. PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS. SERIES A, MATHEMATICAL, PHYSICAL, AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES 2013; 371:20110432. [PMID: 23816909 DOI: 10.1098/rsta.2011.0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
While cadmium telluride and copper-indium-gallium-sulfide-selenide (CIGSSe) solar cells have either already surpassed (for CdTe) or reached (for CIGSSe) the 1 GW yr⁻¹ production level, highlighting the promise of these rapidly growing thin-film technologies, reliance on the heavy metal cadmium and scarce elements indium and tellurium has prompted concern about scalability towards the terawatt level. Despite recent advances in structurally related copper-zinc-tin-sulfide-selenide (CZTSSe) absorbers, in which indium from CIGSSe is replaced with more plentiful and lower cost zinc and tin, there is still a sizeable performance gap between the kesterite CZTSSe and the more mature CdTe and CIGSSe technologies. This review will discuss recent progress in the CZTSSe field, especially focusing on a direct comparison with analogous higher performing CIGSSe to probe the performance bottlenecks in Earth-abundant kesterite devices. Key limitations in the current generation of CZTSSe devices include a shortfall in open circuit voltage relative to the absorber band gap and secondarily a high series resistance, which contributes to a lower device fill factor. Understanding and addressing these performance issues should yield closer performance parity between CZTSSe and CdTe/CIGSSe absorbers and hopefully facilitate a successful launch of commercialization for the kesterite-based technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Mitzi
- IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, PO Box 218, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA.
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32
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Xiang Y, Zhang X, Zhang S. Insight into the mechanism of Sb promoted Cu(In,Ga)Se2 formation. J SOLID STATE CHEM 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jssc.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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33
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Chen G, Seo J, Yang C, Prasad PN. Nanochemistry and nanomaterials for photovoltaics. Chem Soc Rev 2013; 42:8304-38. [PMID: 23868557 DOI: 10.1039/c3cs60054h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanochemistry and nanomaterials provide numerous opportunities for a new generation of photovoltaics with high solar energy conversion efficiencies at low fabrication cost. Quantum-confined nanomaterials and polymer-inorganic nanocomposites can be tailored to harvest sun light over a broad range of the spectrum, while plasmonic structures offer effective ways to reduce the thickness of light-absorbing layers. Multiple exciton generation, singlet exciton fission, photon down-conversion, and photon up-conversion realized in nanostructures, create significant interest for harvesting underutilized ultraviolet and currently unutilized infrared photons. Nanochemical interface engineering of nanoparticle surfaces and junction-interfaces enable enhanced charge separation and collection. In this review, we survey these recent advances employed to introduce new concepts for improving the solar energy conversion efficiency, and reduce the device fabrication cost in photovoltaic technologies. The review concludes with a summary of contributions already made by nanochemistry. It then describes the challenges and opportunities in photovoltaics where the chemical community can play a vital role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanying Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China.
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34
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35
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Seefeld S, Limpinsel M, Liu Y, Farhi N, Weber A, Zhang Y, Berry N, Kwon YJ, Perkins CL, Hemminger JC, Wu R, Law M. Iron Pyrite Thin Films Synthesized from an Fe(acac)3 Ink. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:4412-24. [DOI: 10.1021/ja311974n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Craig L. Perkins
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory,
Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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36
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Wang KC, Chen P, Tseng CM. Facile one-pot synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 quaternary nanoparticles using a microwave-assisted method. CrystEngComm 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ce41691g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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37
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Sun Y, Zheng H, Li X, Zong K, Wang H, Liu J, Yan H, Li K. Reaction routes for the formation of a Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber material from homogenous ethanol-based solution. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra42746c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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38
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Lee D, Yong K. Superstrate CuInS2 photovoltaics with enhanced performance using a CdS/ZnO nanorod array. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2012; 4:6758-6765. [PMID: 23163478 DOI: 10.1021/am301957d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An air-stable, low-temperature, solution-based process for preparing CuInS(2) (CIS) superstrate solar cells using CdS-decorated ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays is reported. Efficient light harvesting and photoexcited charge transport were achieved by fabricating a ZnO NR window layer with a large p-n junction area via a hydrothermal reaction. A CdS buffer layer was deposited on a transparent ZnO NR substrate at room temperature via successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) or nanocrystal layer deposition (NCLD). The prepared CdS/ZnO NR assembly was coated with a CIS absorber layer without the need for surface passivation organics or dispersion reagents. The CIS precursor solution, prepared using a metal salt, thiourea, and an amine solvent, yielded CIS nanocrystals (NCs) at temperatures up to 250 °C. The CIS/CdS/ZnO NR heterojunction structure exhibited an excellent photovoltaic performance compared to a planar ZnO film device due to enhanced light transmittance toward the absorber and a high charge collection efficiency. These results suggest that a superstrate CIS/CdS/ZnO NRs photovoltaic cell fabricated via the low-cost route described here has great potential as a next-generation solar cell device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwook Lee
- Surface Chemistry Laboratory of Electronic Materials (SCHEMA), Department of Chemical Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784, Korea
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39
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Wang Y, Jin Z, Liu H, Wang X, Zheng X, Du H. CuInSe2, CuGaSe2 and Cu(In, Ga)Se2 nanocrystals synthesized by ambient pressure diethylene glycol based solution process. POWDER TECHNOL 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2012.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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40
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Chung CH, Song TB, Bob B, Zhu R, Duan HS, Yang Y. Silver nanowire composite window layers for fully solution-deposited thin-film photovoltaic devices. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2012; 24:5499-5504. [PMID: 22887002 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201201010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
A silver nanowire-indium tin oxide nanoparticle composite and its successful application to fully solution processed CuInSe(2) solar cells as a window layer are demonstrated, effectively replacing the traditionally sputtered both intrinsic zinc oxide and indium tin oxide layers. The devices utilizing the nanocomposite window layer demonstrate photovoltaic parameters equal to or even beyond those with sputtered intrinsic zinc oxide and indium tin oxide contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-Heui Chung
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and California NanoSystems, Institute University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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41
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42
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Jiang C, Lee JS, Talapin DV. Soluble Precursors for CuInSe2, CuIn1–xGaxSe2, and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Based on Colloidal Nanocrystals and Molecular Metal Chalcogenide Surface Ligands. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:5010-3. [DOI: 10.1021/ja2105812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chengyang Jiang
- Department
of Chemistry and
James Frank Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jong-Soo Lee
- Department
of Chemistry and
James Frank Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Dmitri V. Talapin
- Department
of Chemistry and
James Frank Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Nanoscale Materials, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439,
United States
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43
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Liu H, Jin Z, Wang X, Zheng X, Wang Y, Du H, Cui L. Morphological growth and phase formation of CuInSe2 nanocrystals by an ambient pressure polylol-based solution synthesis. CrystEngComm 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2ce25999k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Lee JH, Chang J, Cha JH, Lee Y, Han JE, Jung DY, Choi EC, Hong B. Large-Scale, Surfactant-Free Solution Syntheses of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 Nanocrystals for Thin Film Solar Cells. Eur J Inorg Chem 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/ejic.201000967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lu X, Zhuang Z, Peng Q, Li Y. Wurtzite Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals: a novel quaternary semiconductor. Chem Commun (Camb) 2011; 47:3141-3. [DOI: 10.1039/c0cc05064d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Liu H, Jin Z, Wang W, Li J. Monodispersed sphalerite CuInSe2 nanoplates and highly (112) oriented chalcopyrite thin films by nanoplates ink coating. CrystEngComm 2011. [DOI: 10.1039/c1ce06146a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Habas SE, Platt HAS, van Hest MFAM, Ginley DS. Low-Cost Inorganic Solar Cells: From Ink To Printed Device. Chem Rev 2010; 110:6571-94. [PMID: 20973478 DOI: 10.1021/cr100191d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Habas
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Heather A. S. Platt
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Maikel F. A. M. van Hest
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - David S. Ginley
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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Todorov TK, Reuter KB, Mitzi DB. High-efficiency solar cell with Earth-abundant liquid-processed absorber. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2010; 22:E156-E159. [PMID: 20641095 DOI: 10.1002/adma.200904155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teodor K Todorov
- IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
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Wu JJ, Jiang WT, Liao WP. CuInS2 nanotube array on indium tin oxide: synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties. Chem Commun (Camb) 2010; 46:5885-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c0cc01314e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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