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Kesterite-based next generation high performance thin film solar cell: current progress and future prospects

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Abstract

Kesterites, Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) and Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), have been considered as highly prospective candidates for solar cell applications. The non-toxic and earth-abundant elements along with tunable bandgap of CZTSSe indicate a high potential to replace the reported high efficient Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 and CIGS/CIGSSe devices in order to meet the increasing demand of solar cell market. In this review, the structural, optical and electrical properties of CZTS/CZTSSe were analyzed based on recent research in this field. Various vacuum/non-vacuum CZTS/CZTSSe synthesis and fabrication routines were also analyzed. The vacuum based deposition methods have yielded an efficiency of 11.6 % solar cells, while the non-vacuum paths, especially the ink-based approach offered a more convenient synthesis and fabrication choice with an advanced efficiency of 12.6 %. Analysis indicated that the barriers to application of this material system is still remained in both material synthesis and device fabrication. Further elucidation on possible mechanism of solution-based synthesis and some of the key barriers of improving the device efficiency are required to being pushed forward.

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  1. Nanotechnology and MEMS Laboratory, Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43606, USA

    Zhengqi Shi, Dinesh Attygalle & Ahalapitiya H. Jayatissa

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Shi, Z., Attygalle, D. & Jayatissa, A.H. Kesterite-based next generation high performance thin film solar cell: current progress and future prospects. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 28, 2290–2306 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-016-5753-1

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