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Characterization Of Cu2znsnse4 Kesterite Thin Film Solar Cells
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Book Synopsis Characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Kesterite Thin Film Solar Cells by : Lisa Carina Mareike Risch
Download or read book Characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Kesterite Thin Film Solar Cells written by Lisa Carina Mareike Risch and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The present thesis deals with the characterization of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) kesterite thin film solar cells. Over the last years, kesterite based devices have attracted growing attention. As Cu, Sn and Zn are earth-abundant metals, the kesterite compounds are promising candidates as absorber materials for the mass production of low-cost photovoltaic devices. However, kesterite solar cells suffer from a severe open circuit voltage (Voc) deficit in comparison with other PV technologies, resulting in a significant performance gap between thin film kesterite and chalcopyrite (CIGS) based devices. Best reported efficiencies for the related CIGS thin film technology are 22.6% at cell size and 17.9% for a commercial module - very close to the performance of Si solar cells - while kesterite solar cells remain below 13% power conversion efficiency. Understanding the fundamental properties of kesterite materials and devices and solving challenges associated with their fabrication are the key to improve device performances.In the framework of this thesis, different loss mechanisms related to the low Voc values of kesterite solar cells have been identified and characterized. Two major factors are thereby observed to be responsible for the significant Voc deficit: non-radiative recombination and band tailing. These aspects are related to the presence of secondary phases and defects that have a significant impact on the pn-heterojunction. Therefore, this thesis focuses on the detection of secondary phases and defects and the role of the n-type buffer layer.
Book Synopsis Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials by : Subba Ramaiah Kodigala
Download or read book Thin Film Solar Cells From Earth Abundant Materials written by Subba Ramaiah Kodigala and published by Newnes. This book was released on 2013-11-14 with total page 197 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fundamental concept of the book is to explain how to make thin film solar cells from the abundant solar energy materials by low cost. The proper and optimized growth conditions are very essential while sandwiching thin films to make solar cell otherwise secondary phases play a role to undermine the working function of solar cells. The book illustrates growth and characterization of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film absorbers and their solar cells. The fabrication process of absorber layers by either vacuum or non-vacuum process is readily elaborated in the book, which helps for further development of cells. The characterization analyses such as XPS, XRD, SEM, AFM etc., lead to tailor the physical properties of the absorber layers to fit well for the solar cells. The role of secondary phases such as ZnS, Cu2-xS,SnS etc., which are determined by XPS, XRD or Raman, in the absorber layers is promptly discussed. The optical spectroscopy analysis, which finds band gap, optical constants of the films, is mentioned in the book. The electrical properties of the absorbers deal the influence of substrates, growth temperature, impurities, secondary phases etc. The low temperature I-V and C-V measurements of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film solar cells are clearly described. The solar cell parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, series resistance, parallel resistance provide handful information to understand the mechanism of physics of thin film solar cells in the book. The band structure, which supports to adjust interface states at the p-n junction of the solar cells is given. On the other hand the role of window layers with the solar cells is discussed. The simulation of theoretical efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S1-xSex)4 thin film solar cells explains how much efficiency can be experimentally extracted from the cells. One of the first books exploring how to conduct research on thin film solar cells, including reducing costs Detailed instructions on conducting research
Book Synopsis Advanced strategies for high efficiency kesterite thin film solar cells by : Sergio Giraldo Muñoz
Download or read book Advanced strategies for high efficiency kesterite thin film solar cells written by Sergio Giraldo Muñoz and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The main objective of this thesis was to develop high efficiency thin film solar cells based on low-toxic and earth-abundant kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) absorbers through the implementation of innovative doping strategies. Special focus is put on the optimization of reactive thermal processes, followed by the screening of possible doping elements and further analysis of the most promising ones. Additionally, deeper investigations were carried out in order to improve understanding of main loss mechanisms that can degrade device performance and the use of small amounts of Ge to mitigate some of them, including the possible interactions with alkali elements and the effect of post-deposition annealing treatments on devices properties. Most of the results obtained in this thesis have been published as articles in high impact peer-reviewed journals, included in text. In the first part of the thesis, previous study and optimization of the thermal processes were presented, identifying and varying the most critical parameters in a conventional tubular furnace selenization, in order to establish the best performing treatment for our particular precursors and set-up. Following this, after a preliminary screening of possible doping elements in the CZTSe system (including Ag, In, Si, Ge and Pb), In and Ge were both selected as the most promising/interesting ones to further analyze their doping properties. Although In doping did not show any performance improvement, it was demonstrated that CZTSe absorbers can tolerate rather high quantities of this element without significant modifications of their properties, confirming the possibility of using In-containing layers in kesterite CZTSe-based devices. On the other hand, with regard to Ge, a remarkable improvement of solar cells performance (from about 7% efficiency for Ge-free reference samples to more than 10% efficiency for Ge-doped ones) was presented, based on the introduction of nanometric Ge layers into the metallic stack precursors. Several reasons were proposed to explain the great efficiency improvement in spite of the observed Ge loss. In the following optimization, we determined the optimum Ge thickness range, achieving a 10.6% efficiency and open-circuit voltage values around 490 mV for pure selenide CZTSe, leading to voltage deficits around 0.56 V, which are among the best values reported for kesterites. Furthermore, a detailed microstructural analysis of high efficiency Ge-doped CZTSe solar cells was presented, revealing the presence of two distinct types of grain boundaries: one type is meandering in nature and grows largely parallel to the substrate, and denotes the boundary between two CZTSe layers with differing Cu/Zn ratios; and the second type is Cu-enriched and more straight, and predominates in the upper layer. After that, a new approach for obtaining high quality CZTSe layer was presented, by introducing extremely thin Ge nanolayers below and above metallic stack precursors. This strategy led to eliminate the previously characterized meandering horizontal grain boundaries and to obtain huge CZTSe grains. In addition, a deep study of the effect of Ge on the selenization process revealed that Ge strongly affects the in-depth elemental distribution and the phases formation, ultimately, modifying the reaction pathways of CZTSe. Through the optimization of the quantity and location of Ge, a record efficiency of 11.8% was achieved. In the last part of the thesis, the complex Ge-Na interaction was investigated, and a detailed analysis of low temperature post-deposition annealings by multi-wavelength Raman spectroscopy was also presented. On the whole, the work presented in this thesis provides meaningful results and innovative strategies to boost the efficiency of kesterite solar cells, by tackling some limiting factors of this promising material.
Book Synopsis Ternary and Multinary Compounds by : R.D Tomlinson
Download or read book Ternary and Multinary Compounds written by R.D Tomlinson and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 1998-01-01 with total page 1070 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Multinary compounds are now used in a wide range of devices, including photovoltaic solar cells, light emitters and detectors, and piezoelectric actuators. Ternary and Multinary Compounds provides an interdisciplinary forum for scientists and engineers working on fundamental and applied aspects of these materials. The volume focuses on optoelectronic properties, electronic band structure, charge carrier transport, optical and magnetic properties, and superconductivity. It includes chapters on the research and development of new techniques and novel materials, such as laser ablation deposition and ferroelectrics.
Book Synopsis Studies on Cu2znsnse4 Thin Film As Solar Cell Absorber Layer by : Suresh Babu Gandham
Download or read book Studies on Cu2znsnse4 Thin Film As Solar Cell Absorber Layer written by Suresh Babu Gandham and published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. This book was released on 2011-08 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Solar cells have high potential as an alternative energy technology for fulfilling the energy needs. It has the additional advantage being environmentally friendly. Solar photovoltaic cells based on single crystalline Si are prohibitively expensive. Hence, researchers are looking for solar cell materials which are cheap and abundant. Successful thin film solar cells based on CuInGaSe2 uses costly and non-abundant elements like In & Ga, CdTe uses toxic material Cd. To overcome these associated difficulties, we have chosen Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films which contain elements which are relatively cheap, abundant and less toxic. In this book a brief review of the solar cell absorber layers were presented along with their successes and present market values. Focus is mainly concentrated on the qualities and suitability of Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films as absorber layers. Preparation (using co-evaporation)and characterization details of this materials are highlighted. Parameters like optimum deposition conditions and ratio between elements re given. Brief description of window preparation and characterization is also presented along with the scope for future work to encourage the readers.
Book Synopsis Development of in situ methods for process monitoring and control and characterization of Cu-Zn-Sn-S based thin films by : Van Duren, Stephan
Download or read book Development of in situ methods for process monitoring and control and characterization of Cu-Zn-Sn-S based thin films written by Van Duren, Stephan and published by Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin. This book was released on 2019-06-03 with total page 188 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In recent years, kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has become an interesting alternative to copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) due to its non-toxic and earth abundant constituents. A variety of methods is being used to fabricate kesterite thin films, such as coevaporation, sputtering, electrodeposition, spray pyrolysis and others. Most of them include an annealing step to stimulate elemental mixing and interdiffusion. Although conversion efficiencies of kesterite solar cells have increased among different research groups, the record value of 12.6% set by IBM in 2014 has not been broken yet. Therefore, experimental and theoretical studies are needed to predict the effect of the secondary phases and detrimental defects on the electronical properties of the CZTS based solar devices. The work presented here studies non-destructive techniques for in situ process control and monitoring. With the aim to detect phases and phase transitions to optimize crucial processing steps such as pre-annealing of metal precursors, high temperature annealing and vacuum deposition of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based thin films. The research consists of three parts in which Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and reflectometry are used to explore this objective. In the first part Raman spectroscopy is investigated as an in situ monitoring technique during high temperature annealing of thin films. It investigates whether the occurrence of CZTS can be monitored when it is created from annealing a Mo/CTS/ZnS layered thin film. CuS, SnS, ZnS and CTS (Cu-Sn-S) films are prepared by physical vapor deposition. The Raman scattering intensity was compared to investigate whether their specific vibrational modes can be distinguished from each other at room temperature. Then, the CTS film is annealed between 50 and 550 °C in order to investigate whether CTS vibrational modes can be identified at elevated temperatures and to see which transitions take place within the thin film. Also, a CZTS reference film is annealed between 50 and 550 °C for reference purposes. The temperature dependence of the main CZTS modes is examined to investigate whether it can be used for in situ temperature control. Finally, a ZnS layer is deposited on the unannealed CTS film to obtain a Mo/CTS/ZnS layered film. This film is used to study the conversion of CTS/ZnS into CZTS at elevated temperatures. It was found that Raman spectroscopy can successfully be used to monitor formation of CZTS by identifying its main vibrational mode during the annealing process. The intensity of the CTS modes reduces at elevated temperatures. At 450 °C, the main CZTS mode at 338 cm-1 can be clearly identified. The second part also focuses on high temperature annealing. However, in this part the focus lies on annealing of the metal precursor films. It is explored whether specific alloys benefit or hinder the formation of secondary phases during formation of the CZTS absorber films. Also, to what extent this influences solar cell performance. In situ XRD was investigated for in situ monitoring of the pre-annealing process. Cu-poor metal precursor films are prepared by sputtering deposition. The precursors are annealed at 150 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C and 450 °C in a three zone tube furnace. The effect on the structural properties is analysed by XRD to study the formation mechanism of alloys. The precursor films are then sulfurized in a three zone tube furnace. The structural properties of the absorber are analysed and correlated with structures in the precursor. It is found that formation of SnS2 in the absorber is proportional to the remaining Sn in the pre-annealed precursor. Also, electron micrographs showed that pre-annealing temperature influences grain growth and surface precipitation of Sn-S and Zn-S. Pre-annealed absorbers at 450 °C did not exhibit these phases on the surface. Solar devices are fabricated from the absorber films and best performing devices were obtained from pre-annealed absorbers at 450 °C. They showed absence of Sn and SnS2 in, respectively, the precursor and absorber. It could be concluded that SnS2 phases are detrimental to device efficiency and that SnS2 XRD peak intensity follows an inverse proportionality with device efficiency. The third part explores reflectometry as a method to monitor a growing film during thermal evaporation in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) system. A set of six CZTS absorbers is examined by ex situ Raman spectroscopy and reflectometry to study the influence of secondary phases CuS and ZnS on reflection spectra. Composition strongly influences reflection spectra and CuS leaves a characteristic dip in the reflection spectrum at about 600 nm. An integration method was used to analyze this phenomenon quantitatively. Subsequently, a reflectometry setup is designed, developed and integrated in the PVD system. Four different CZTS co-evaporated and multi-layered films are deposited. Structural, morphological and vibrational properties are investigated. The reflection spectra are monitored during deposition and time-dependent reflection spectra are analyzed for characteristic aspects related to properties such as thickness, band gap and phase formation. CuS could not be detected in the films by the integration method due to the superposition of the CuS dip with developing interference fringes during film growth. However, in multilayered CTS/ZnS film it is found that the onset of ZnS deposition can be detected by increased reflection intensity due to reduced surface roughness. Additionally, the shifting onset of the interference fringes to lower photon energies can be used as a characteristic fingerprint during the deposition process. In conclusion, this work showed that Raman spectroscopy, XRD and reflectometry could be successfully implemented for in situ process control and monitoring of high temperature annealing and vacuum deposition of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based precursors and absorbers. The application of these in situ techniques can lead to the optimization of thin film material properties and solar cells. As such, this study has paved the way for further improvement of Cu-Sn-Zn-S based precursors and thin film absorbers. Innerhalb der letzten Jahre hat sich Kesterit Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) aufgrund seiner ungiftigen Bestandteile und deren hoher Verfügbarkeit zu einer interessanten Alternative zu Kupfer Indium Gallium (di-)Selenid (CIGS) entwickelt. Zur Herstellung von Kesterit Dünnschichten wird eine Vielzahl von Methoden verwendet wie Ko-Verdampfung, Sputtern, Elektrodeposition, Spray Pyrolyse und andere. Die meisten davon beinhalten einen Temper-Schritt um die Durchmischung und Interdiffusion der Elemente zu stimulieren. Obwohl der Wirkungsgrad der Kersterit Solarzellen von verschiedenen Forschungsgruppen erhöht wurde, ist der Rekordwert von IBM von 12,6 % noch nicht gebrochen worden. Daher werden experimentelle und theoretische Studien benötigt, die den Einfluss von Fremdphasen und schädlichen Defekten auf die elektronischen Eigenschaften der CZTS Solarzellen vorhersagen. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht zerstörungsfreie Methoden für die in situ Prozesskontrolle und -überwachung. Dabei ist das Ziel, entscheidende Prozessschritte wie das Vortempern der Metall-Vorläufer sowie das Hochtemperatur-Tempern und die Vakuum-Abscheidung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierten Schichten zu optimieren. Die Untersuchung besteht aus drei Teilen, in denen Raman-Spektroskopie, Röntgendiffraktion (XRD) und Reflektometrie benutzt werden um dieses Ziel zu erreichen. Im ersten Teil wird die Ramanspektroskopie als in situ Methode zur Überwachung des Hochtemperatur-Temperns von Dünnschichten betrachtet. Es wird untersucht, ob das Entstehen von CZTS beim Tempern von gestapelten Mo/CTS/ZnS Dünnschichten beobachtet werden kann. CuS, SnS, ZnS und CTS (Cu-Sn-S) Schichten werden durch physikalische Gasabscheidung hergestellt. Die Intensität der Raman Streuung wurde vergleichen um zu untersuchen, ob die spezifischen Vibrations-Moden bei Raumtemperatur voneinander unterschieden werden können. Dann werden die CTS Schichten zwischen 50 °C und 550 °C getempert um zu untersuchen, ob die CTS Vibrations-Moden bei höheren Temperaturen identifiziert werden können und um festzustellen, welche Übergänge innerhalb der Schicht auftreten. Außerdem wurde eine CZTS Referenzschicht zwischen 50 °C und 550 °C für Referenzzwecke getempert worden. Die Temperaturabhängigkeit der CZTS Haupt-Moden werden betrachtet, um zu untersuche, ob sie für die in situ Temperaturüberwachung verwendet werden können. Abschließend wurde eine ZnS Schicht auf einem nicht getemperten CTS Film abgeschieden, um eine gestapelte Mo/CTS/ZnS Schicht zu erhalten. Diese Schicht wird verwendet, um die Umwandlung von CTS/ZnS zu CZTS bei erhöhten Temperaturen zu untersuchen. Es wurde festgestellt, dass Raman Spektroskopie erfolgreich verwendet werden kann, um die Bildung von CZTS zu überwachen, indem die Haupt-Vibrations-Moden während des Temperns identifiziert werden. Die Intensität der CTS Moden verringert sich bei höheren Temperaturen. Bei 450 °C kann die CZTS Hauptmode bei 338 cm-1 klar identifiziert werden. Der zweite Teil konzentriert sich ebenfalls auf das Hochtemperatur-Tempern. In diesem Teil liegt der Fokus allerdings auf dem Tempern der Metal-Vorläufer-Schichten. Es wird erforscht, ob bestimmte Legierungen die Entstehung von Fremdphasen während der Entstehung der CZTS Absorberschichten begünstigen oder hemmen und welchen Einfluss dies auf die Leistung der Solarzelle hat. In situ XRD wird verwendet, um die Prozesse des Vortemperns zu überwachen. Kupfer arme Metall-Vorläufer-Schichten werden durch Sputtern aufgetragen. Die Vorläufer werden bei 150 °C, 200 °C, 300 °C und 450 °C in einem Drei-Zonen-Röhren-Ofen getempert. Die Auswirkungen auf die strukturellen Eigenschaften werden mit XRD analysiert, um den Entstehungsmechanismus der Legierungen zu untersuchen. Die Vorläuferschichten werden dann in einem Drei-Zonen-Röhren-Ofen sulfurisiert. Die strukturellen Eigenschaften des Absorbers werden analysiert und mit der Struktur der Vorläufer korreliert. Es wurde festgestellt, dass die Entstehung von SnS2 im Absorber proportional zum verbleibenden Sn im vorgetemperten Vorläufer ist. Außerdem zeigen Bilder des Rasterelektronenmikroskops, dass die Temperatur des Vortemperns das Kornwachstum und das Abschieden von Sn-S und Zn-S an der Oberfläche beeinflusst. Bei 450 °C vorgetemperte Absorber weisen keine dieser Phasen an der Oberfläche auf. Solarzellen werden aus diesen Absorber-Schichten hergestellt und die besten Zellen entstanden aus den bei 450 °C vorgetemperten Absorbern. Bei diesen traten Sn und SnS2 weder im Vorläufer noch im Absorber auf. Es konnte geschlussfolgert werden, dass SnS2 Phasen schädlich für den Wirkungsgrad der Zellen sind und dass die Intensität der SnS2 XRD Peaks invers proportional zum Wirkungsgrad der Zellen ist. Der dritte Teil erforscht die Reflektometrie als Methode zur Überwachung des Schichtwachstums während des thermischen Verdampfens in einer Anlage zur physikalischen Gasabscheidung (PVD). Ein Satz aus sechs CZTS Absorbern wird mittels ex situ Raman-Spektroskopie und Reflektometrie vermessen, um den Einfluss der Fremdphasen CuS und ZnS auf die Reflexionsspektren zu untersuchen. Die Zusammensetzung beeinflusst die Reflexionsspektren stark und CuS hinterlässt eine charakteristische Senkung bei 600 nm im Reflexionsspektrum. Eine Integrationsmethode wurde verwendet um dieses Phänomen quantitativ zu analysieren. Anschließend wurde ein Reflektometrieaufbau entworfen, entwickelt und in die PVD-Anlage integriert. Vier verschiedene CZTS koverdampfte und Mehrschicht-Filme wurden abgeschieden. Strukturelle, morphologische und Vibrationseigenschaften werden untersucht. Die Reflexionsspektren werden während des Abscheidens aufgenommen und zeitabhängige Reflexionsspektren werden auf charakteristische Aspekte im Zusammenhang mit Eigenschaften wie Dicke, Bandlücke und Entstehung von Phasen untersucht. CuS konnte in den Schichten mit der Integrations-Methode wegen der Überlagerung der CuS Senkung mit dem entstehenden Interferenzmuster nicht detektiert werden. Allerdings wurde in gestapelten CTS/ZnS Schichten beobachtet werden, dass der Beginn der ZnS Abscheidung durch eine ansteigende Intensität der Reflektion aufgrund der verringerten Oberflächenrauigkeit detektiert werden kann. Zusätzlich kann die Verschiebung des Startpunkts der Interferenzen zu niedrigeren Photonenenergien als charakteristischer Fingerabdruck während des Abscheidungsprozesses verwendet werden. Zusammenfassend zeigt diese Arbeit, dass Raman-Spektroskopie, XRD und Reflektrometrie erfolgreich als in situ Prozesskontrolle und –überwachung bei Hochtemperatur-Tempern und Vakuum-Abscheidung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierten Vorläufern und Absorbern realisiert werden konnten. Die Anwendung dieser in situ Techniken kann zu einer Optimierung der Eigenschaften von Dünnschicht-Materialien und von Solarzellen führen. Als solche hat diese Untersuchung den Weg für weitere Verbesserung von Cu-Sn-Zn-S basierte Vorläufer und Dünnschicht-Absorber geebnet.
Book Synopsis Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide-Based Thin-Film Solar Cells by : Kentaro Ito
Download or read book Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide-Based Thin-Film Solar Cells written by Kentaro Ito and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-12-11 with total page 449 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Beginning with an overview and historical background of Copper Zinc Tin Sulphide (CZTS) technology, subsequent chapters cover properties of CZTS thin films, different preparation methods of CZTS thin films, a comparative study of CZTS and CIGS solar cell, computational approach, and future applications of CZTS thin film solar modules to both ground-mount and rooftop installation. The semiconducting compound (CZTS) is made up earth-abundant, low-cost and non-toxic elements, which make it an ideal candidate to replace Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and CdTe solar cells which face material scarcity and toxicity issues. The device performance of CZTS-based thin film solar cells has been steadily improving over the past 20 years, and they have now reached near commercial efficiency levels (10%). These achievements prove that CZTS-based solar cells have the potential to be used for large-scale deployment of photovoltaics. With contributions from leading researchers from academia and industry, many of these authors have contributed to the improvement of its efficiency, and have rich experience in preparing a variety of semiconducting thin films for solar cells.
Book Synopsis Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells by : Daniel Abou-Ras
Download or read book Advanced Characterization Techniques for Thin Film Solar Cells written by Daniel Abou-Ras and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-07-13 with total page 760 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.
Book Synopsis Nanoscale Surface and Interface Characterization of Earth-Abundant Thin-Film Solar Cells by : Kasra Sardashti
Download or read book Nanoscale Surface and Interface Characterization of Earth-Abundant Thin-Film Solar Cells written by Kasra Sardashti and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin-film kesterites have been explored as promising absorbers in future photovoltaic devices due to their earth-abundant and non-toxic constituents, which do not impose any future production limitations. However, the current record conversion efficiency of polycrystalline kesterite devices is 12.6%--i.e., at least 2.4% short of the efficiency threshold needed to make this material competitive with chalcogenide-based thin film technologies. This shortage in conversion efficiency has been in part ascribed to the large extent of carrier recombination by defects at the grain boundaries and contact/absorber interfaces. In this work, methods nanoscale compositional and electrical characterization of grain boundaries and contact/absorber interfaces in kesterite solar cells have been developed, using a unique combination of advanced nano-characterization tools including Auger Nanoprobe Microscopy (NanoAuger), Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) and Cryogenic Focused Ion Beam (Cryo-FIB). NanoAuger and KPFM measurements on high-performance CZTSSe thin film PV devices revealed that the presence of SnOx at the grain boundaries is essential to the high VOC. This passivation layer needs to be formed by an air anneal process performed after the film deposition. In contrast to the oxide at the grain boundary, oxide layer on the top surfaces of the grains has been found to be (Sn,Zn),O. A new cross-sectioning method via grazing angle of incidence Cryo-FIB milling, has been developed where smooth cross-sections with at least 10x scale expansion have been prepared. These surfaces were characterized for CIGSe monitor films confirming the presence of MoSe2 interlayer acting as a proper hole contact on the back surface.
Book Synopsis Fabrication Of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin-Film Solar Cells By A Two-Stage Process by : Yejiao Wang
Download or read book Fabrication Of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin-Film Solar Cells By A Two-Stage Process written by Yejiao Wang and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The properties of CZTSe thin-films and the performance of CZTSe thin-film solar cells have been characterized using techniques, including J-V, Raman spectroscopy, spectral response, and SEM/EDS. The best performance CZTSe thin-film solar cell that have been accomplished, has an open circuit voltage of 0.42 volt, shirt circuit current densities of 14.5 mA/cm2, fill factor of 47%, and efficiency of 2.86%.
Book Synopsis Sulfide and Selenide Based Materials for Emerging Applications by : Goutam Kumar Dalapati
Download or read book Sulfide and Selenide Based Materials for Emerging Applications written by Goutam Kumar Dalapati and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2022-06-17 with total page 804 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sulfide and Selenide-Based Materials for Emerging Applications explores a materials and device-based approach to the transition to low-cost sustainable thin film photovoltaic devices and energy storage systems. Part 1 examines recent advances in renewable technologies and materials for sustainable development, as well as photovoltaic energy storage devices. Part 2 discusses thin film solar cells with earth abundant materials, highlighting the power conversion efficiency of the kesterite-based solar cells. Kesterite film technology including different synthesis and doping method designs are also discussed, along with emerging sulfide semiconductors with potential in thin film photovoltaics/flexible devices. In Part 3 sulfur- and selenides-based materials for thermoelectric applications are explored. Part 4 covers chalcogenide semiconductors with applications in electrochemical water splitting for green hydrogen generation and oxygen generation, as well as the latest research on layered 2D transition metal chalcogenides for electrochemical water splitting. To conclude, part 5 discusses recent developments of storage technologies such as Li-S batteries, sulfide-based supercapacitors and metal-ion batteries, and the development of 3D printing sulfides/selenides for energy conversion and storage. This book is a useful resource for those involved in green energy technology and decarbonization and is designed for a broad audience, from students to experienced scientists. Discusses the emerging sulfide/selenide based thin film absorber materials and their deposition methods Previews device engineering techniques that have been developed to enhance the power conversion efficiency and lifetime of sulfide/selenide based thin film solar cells Provides an update on what low cost sulfide/selenide based electro-catalysts have become available and the comparison of their performance vs. noble metal catalysts
Book Synopsis Cu2ZnSnSe4: Synthesis and Characterization by : Zhiqiang Wang
Download or read book Cu2ZnSnSe4: Synthesis and Characterization written by Zhiqiang Wang and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 38 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thin film photovoltaic has attracted much attention for its high potential to decrease production cost to develop cost-effective and high performance solar cells. Among all these promising materials, chalcopyrite copper indium gallium selenide Cu(In, Ga)(S, Se)2 have gained the highest reputation for its achieved high power conversion efficiency. Laboratory-scale conversion efficiency up to 20.3% has been recently achieved for a CIGS solar cell deposited on a glass substrate. Therefore, the successful commercialization of CIGS cell technology highly relies on the cost reduction. However, the element Indium in CIGS is not earth abundant and therefore hinders the further decrease in production cost. As a potential substitute, quaternary chalcogenide Cu 2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) has received more attention nowadays, as it consists of all earth abundant elements and therefore is more environmentally friendly. So in this research, we focus on the synthesis and characterization of CZTSe. In this research, quaternary Cu2ZnSnSe4 particles, useful for low cost solar cell synthesis, were successfully prepared using sonochemistry assisted solid state synthesis method. The pathways of the reactions during the synthesis as a function of the annealing temperature were studied by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) with the identification of the intermediate binary phases (Cu-Se, Zn-Se, Sn-Se), ternary phases (Cu-Sn-Se, Cu-Zn-Se) and the eventual formation of the quaternary phase Cu2ZnSnSe4. The obtained particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-Vis optical absorption spectoscopy. The results showed that the annealing temperature of 450°C is optimal for the formation of pure quaternary phase. However, the temperature range within which pure Cu2ZnSnSe4 could be obtained was very narrow and Cu2ZnSnSe4 decomposes to various binary and ternary phases as the temperature is increased above the stability range. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy illustrated that the particles had high absorption of visible light and had a direct band gap around 1.2 eV. These findings demonstrated a low-cost and environmentally friendly method to synthesize CZTSe particles.
Book Synopsis Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization of Nanomaterials by : Challa S.S.R. Kumar
Download or read book Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization of Nanomaterials written by Challa S.S.R. Kumar and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-12-09 with total page 718 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Third volume of a 40volume series on nanoscience and nanotechnology, edited by the renowned scientist Challa S.S.R. Kumar. This handbook gives a comprehensive overview about Transmission electron microscopy characterization of nanomaterials. Modern applications and state-of-the-art techniques are covered and make this volume an essential reading for research scientists in academia and industry.
Book Synopsis Modeling and Physical Studies of Kesterite Solar Cells by : Dario Cozza
Download or read book Modeling and Physical Studies of Kesterite Solar Cells written by Dario Cozza and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This thesis deals with modeling and simulations of kesterite solar cells with the aim of studying their physical mechanisms and improving the design of the devices. Synthetic kesterites are thin film materials made of cheap/earth-abundant elements. Two numerical models for a Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) and a Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cell are proposed. The provided values of the material parameters, for all the layers of the solar cell, are obtained either from comparisons/analysis of data found in literature or, in some cases, from direct measurements. 1D and 2D simulations are performed: the software SCAPS is used to study the impact of the Molybdenum and the MoSe2 layers, present at the back contact of CZTSe solar cells. We investigate also the ideal properties of alternative interfacial layers that could replace the MoSe2 layer to improve the device performances. The transfer matrix method (TMM) and SCAPS are employed together to perform optoelectronic simulations with the aim of optimizing the thickness of the buffer (CdS) and the window (ITO) layers in order to maximize the short circuit current (JSC ) of the device. Finally Silvaco is used to perform 2D simulations of the CZTSe grain boundaries (GBs) present inside the polycrystalline kesterite absorbers. For the latter work, experimental Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) characterizations are performed in order to find possible correlations between the performance losses and the electrical activity of the GBs.
Book Synopsis Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells by : M. Parans Paranthaman
Download or read book Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells written by M. Parans Paranthaman and published by Springer. This book was released on 2015-09-16 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the current status of semiconductor materials for conversion of sunlight to electricity, and highlights advances in both basic science and manufacturing. Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric technology will be a significant contributor to world energy supplies when reliable, efficient PV power products are manufactured in large volumes at low cost. Expert chapters cover the full range of semiconductor materials for solar-to-electricity conversion, from crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon to cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium sulfide selenides, dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells, and environmentally friendly copper zinc tin sulfide selenides. The latest methods for synthesis and characterization of solar cell materials are described, together with techniques for measuring solar cell efficiency. Semiconductor Materials for Solar Photovoltaic Cells presents the current state of the art as well as key details about future strategies to increase the efficiency and reduce costs, with particular focus on how to reduce the gap between laboratory scale efficiency and commercial module efficiency. This book will aid materials scientists and engineers in identifying research priorities to fulfill energy needs, and will also enable researchers to understand novel semiconductor materials that are emerging in the solar market. This integrated approach also gives science and engineering students a sense of the excitement and relevance of materials science in the development of novel semiconductor materials. · Provides a comprehensive introduction to solar PV cell materials · Reviews current and future status of solar cells with respect to cost and efficiency · Covers the full range of solar cell materials, from silicon and thin films to dye sensitized and organic solar cells · Offers an in-depth account of the semiconductor material strategies and directions for further research · Features detailed tables on the world leaders in efficiency demonstrations · Edited by scientists with experience in both research and industry
Book Synopsis On the Nano-scale Characterization of Kesterite Thin-films by : Thorsten Schwarz
Download or read book On the Nano-scale Characterization of Kesterite Thin-films written by Thorsten Schwarz and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Book Synopsis Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells by : Subba Ramaiah Kodigala
Download or read book Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 Based Thin Film Solar Cells written by Subba Ramaiah Kodigala and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2010 with total page 684 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides valuable contents about the fabrication and characterization of chalcopyrite Cu(In1-xGax)Se2 based thin film solar cells and modules. The growth of chalcopyrite Cu(In1-xGax)(S1-ySey)2 absorbers, buffers, window layers, antireflection coatings, and finally metallic grids, which are the sole components of solar cells, is clearly illustrated. The absorber, which contains multiple elements, segregates secondary phases if the growth conditions are not well optimized i.e., the main drawback in the fabrication of solar cells. More importantly the solutions for the growth of thin films are given in detail. The properties of all the individual layers and single crystals including solar cells analyzed by different characterization techniques such as SEM, AFM, XPS, AES, TEM, XRD, optical, photoluminescence, and Raman spectroscopy are explicitly demonstrated. The electrical analyses such as conductivities, Hall mobilities, deep level transient spectroscopy measurements etc., provide a broad picture to understand thin films or single crystals and their solar cells. The book clearly explains the working principle of energy conversion from solar to electrical with basic sciences for the chalcopyrite based thin film solar cells. Also, it demonstrates important criteria on how to enhance efficiency of the solar cells and modules. The effect of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, aging etc., on the devices is mentioned by citing several examples. · Illustrates a number of growth techniques to prepare thin film layers for solar cells · Discusses characterization techniques such as XRD, TEM, XPS, AFM, SEM, PL, CL, Optical measurements, and Electrical measurements · Includes I-V, C-V measurements illustrations · Provides analysis of solar cell efficiency · Presents current trends in thin film solar cells research and marketing
