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Prediction and optimization of the performance characteristics of CZTS thin film solar cell using band gap grading

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Abstract

The results of the numerical simulation of the performance characteristics of (Cu2ZnSnS4) CZTS thin film solar cell due to bandgap grading is presented in this work. The investigation of the performance of this solar cell was carried out using the Analysis of Microelectronics and Photonics software (AMPS-1D). A substrate cell structure FTO/CdS/CZTS/Mo(SLG) was used as the base model. An efficiency of 8.33% was obtained from the simulation with baseline parameters while an intentional grading of the device was carried out on the device both at the front and back interface of the absorber. Front grading was observed to degrade the device performance while significant improvement of the device performance was observed with back grading. An intentional double grading of the device further enhanced the efficiency up to 12.26%.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Prof. Stephen Fonash and his group at Pennsylvania State University for providing us with the AMPS-1D software.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria

    Adeyinka D. Adewoyin, Muteeu A. Olopade & Michael Chendo

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  1. Adeyinka D. Adewoyin
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  2. Muteeu A. Olopade
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  3. Michael Chendo
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Correspondence to Adeyinka D. Adewoyin.

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Adewoyin, A.D., Olopade, M.A. & Chendo, M. Prediction and optimization of the performance characteristics of CZTS thin film solar cell using band gap grading. Opt Quant Electron 49, 336 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-017-1176-3

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