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Optimizing Photovoltaic Performance in CZTS-Based Zn(1−x)SnxO (x = 0.100, 0.133, 0.167, 0.200 and 0.233) Thin Film Solar Cells: A Structural, Morphological and Optical Study

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Abstract

Recently, the trend in solar cell research has become highly competitive, with researchers striving to find the best material that strikes a balance between various factors, including fabrication speed, cost, material toxicity, abundance, and overall photovoltaic performance. Typically, cadmium sulfide serves as the buffer layer in CZTS solar cells, but this material is known for its high toxicity. On the other hand, zinc tin oxide (ZTO) has gained popularity in solar cell applications due to its transparency, conductivity, thermal stability, and non-toxic nature. Consequently, the idea of using ZTO as an alternative buffer layer in CZTS solar cells has emerged. In this study, we synthesized nanocomposite thin films of Zn(1−x)SnxO (x = 0.100, 0.133, 0.167, 0.200, and 0.233% w/w) using the sol–gel method and spin coating technique. Among the various concentrations tested, the thin film composed of Zn0.833Sn0.167O demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.54%. This outcome marked a successful result, indicating that this particular composition optimizes efficiency in our study. It is noteworthy that excessive tin doping did not lead to improved efficiency. However, it is important to acknowledge that the PCE in our experiment is relatively low compared to that of other researchers due to the use of ITO glass as the back contact, chosen for economic considerations. Furthermore, our fabrication method for ZTO thin films resulted in a bandgap energy (Eg) value of 0.78 eV. In summary, our findings suggest that ZTO has the potential to replace cadmium sulfide as the buffer layer in CZTS-based solar cells. These findings are expected to have a significant impact on promoting ZTO as the primary buffer material in CZTS solar cell technology.

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Acknowledgements

This work was fully supported by the MOHE grant, project Nos. FRGS/1/2019/STG07/UKM/02/11, and DIP-2021-013. All experimental work has been done at the Photonic Technology Laboratory, Department of Electrical, Electronics, and Systems Engineering, UKM. The authors would like to thank Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia for their technical support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600, Bangi, Malaysia

    Kang Jian Xian, Huda Abdullah, Norshafadzila Mohammad Naim, Iskandar Yahya & Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi

  2. Advanced Semiconductor Materials and Devices, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

    Huda Abdullah

  3. Engineering Physics Department, Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia

    Brian Yuliarto

  4. Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

    Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman

  5. Solar Energy Research Institute (SERI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600, Bangi, Malaysia

    Md. Akhtaruzzaman

  6. Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Kamaruzzaman Sopian & Yap Wing Fen

  7. Faculty of Technology Management and Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400, Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

    Md. Fauzi Ahmad

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  1. Kang Jian Xian
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Xian, K.J., Abdullah, H., Naim, N.M. et al. Optimizing Photovoltaic Performance in CZTS-Based Zn(1−x)SnxO (x = 0.100, 0.133, 0.167, 0.200 and 0.233) Thin Film Solar Cells: A Structural, Morphological and Optical Study. Arab J Sci Eng 49, 6743–6760 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-023-08456-7

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