Chemical composition dependence of Cu2ZnSnS4 absorbers fabricated by sulfurization of thermal evaporated metal precursors and solar cell performance

Liyuan Zhang, Sreejith Karthikeyan, Mandip J. Sibakoti, Stephen A. Campbell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigate the synthesis of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films using thermal evaporation from copper, zinc and tin pellets and post-annealing in a sulfur atmosphere. The effects of chemical composition were studied both on the absorber layer properties and on the final solar cell performance. It is confirmed that CZTS thin film chemical composition affects the carrier concentration profile, which then influences the solar cell properties. Solar cells using a CZTS thin film with composition ratio Cu/(Zn+Sn) = 0.87, and Zn/Sn = 1.24 exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 483 mV, a short-circuit current of 14.54 mA/cm2, a fill factor of 37.66 % and a conversion efficiency of 2.64 %. Only a small deviation from the optimal chemical composition can drop device performance to a lower level, which confirms that the CZTS solar cells with high conversion efficiency existed in a relatively narrow composition region.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSustainable Solar-Energy Conversion Using Earth-Abundant Materials
EditorsY. Li, S. Mathur, G. Zheng
PublisherMaterials Research Society
Pages19-24
Number of pages6
EditionJanuary
ISBN (Electronic)9781510806184
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event2014 MRS Fall Meeting - Boston, United States
Duration: Nov 30 2014Dec 5 2014

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
NumberJanuary
Volume1738
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Conference

Conference2014 MRS Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston
Period11/30/1412/5/14

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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