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The optical properties of CuPbSbS3-bournonite with photovoltaic applications

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Abstract

CuPbSbS3-bournonite is a quaternary semiconductor derived from the Cu–Sb–S semiconductors with numerous possibilities including optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. An analysis focusing on the potential for solar cells is carried out starting from first-principles density functional theory with orbital-dependent one-electron potentials. In order to understand the fundamental factors responsible for the absorption, the absorption coefficients have been split into inter- and intra-species contributions. The absorption coefficients are used as a criterion for evaluating the efficiencies when this material is used to absorb sunlight at several concentrations. The results indicate their applicability in photovoltaic devices as absorbent of the solar spectrum with high energy conversion efficiency.

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Acknowledgments

This work has been supported by the National Spanish Project MADRID-PV (S2013/MAE-2780).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Energía Solar, E.T.S.I. de Telecomunicación, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    C. Tablero

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Correspondence to C. Tablero.

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Tablero, C. The optical properties of CuPbSbS3-bournonite with photovoltaic applications. Theor Chem Acc 135, 126 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00214-016-1890-0

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