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Optimization: a proposed pathway to overcome the impasse of low efficiency in CZTS thin-film photovoltaics

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Abstract

The quest to improve the performance of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin-film photovoltaics has been increasing recently. This pursuit is driven by the optimal direct bandgap, non-toxic, and abundant constituent elements of CZTS. In this work, a novel CZTS thin-film solar cell with FTO/AZO/CdS/CZTS/MoS2/Mo device structure has been numerically modeled and simulated with SCAPS-1D software. This modeled structure was achieved from a combination of different optimization processes, which involves the window layer, absorber layer, and the back interface of the device. Simulation of this device gave a promising optimized result with a conversion efficiency of 26.19%, a fill factor of 62.07%, a short-circuit current of 27.56 mA cm−2, and an open-circuit voltage of 0.94 V. Further studies from the Mott–Schottky slope showed that the average carrier concentration obtained from the C–V calculations is ~ 5.2 × 1016 cm−3. The simulation processes provide an essential guideline for the fabrication of highly efficient CZTS thin-film solar cell.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the provision of SCAPS-1D software by Prof. Marc Burgelman and his research group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria

    Adeyinka D. Adewoyin, Muteeu A. Olopade, Olusola O. Oyebola & Balogun Rilwan

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  1. Adeyinka D. Adewoyin
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Adewoyin, A.D., Olopade, M.A., Oyebola, O.O. et al. Optimization: a proposed pathway to overcome the impasse of low efficiency in CZTS thin-film photovoltaics. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 31, 17585–17593 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-020-04314-6

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