Influence of the thickness of window and absorber layers on the performance of CZTS nanostructured solar cells

Influence of the thickness of window and absorber layers on the performance of CZTS nanostructured solar cells

Thin film solar cells (TFSCs) made up with earth-abundant, low-cost and non-toxic elements are being studied enthusiastically worldwide. In this attempt, Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has come up as one of the most promising absorber material for TFSCs. CZTS is a p-type semiconductor with direct band gap of 1.4 to 1.5 eV and high absorption coefficient of above 104 cm-1 in the solar spectrum. Therefore, it is considered as a potential alternative to conventional TFSCs absorbers such as CdTe and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS). Recently, a conversion efficiency of 12.6% has been achieved by depositing CZTSSe using a slurry ink based on non-CZTS nanoparticles in hydrazine [1]. Regardless of this achievement, understanding of the behavior of the effective parameters of CZTS films is still unveiled. Considering that the realization of these parameters requires long times and a lot of money, performing simulations prior to experimental operations seems very rational. Indeed, the use of Computer-based simulations tools plays a critical role in the design, development and optimization of photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. By simulation, we can predict the effect of various parameters and structures on the functionality of the device. Quaternary semiconductors are complex in nature and involve hetero-junctions. Hence, the need for numerical modeling in one dimension is relevant. In this study, we focused on optimization of CZTS based solar cells with the suitable buffer layer. We employed the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) [2]. Furthermore, we demonstrated the absorber parameters (thickness and carrier density) impact on the performance of mentioned solar cell

In this study, we focused on optimization of CZTS based solar cells with the suitable buffer layer. We employed the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS) [2]. Furthermore, we demonstrated the absorber parameters (thickness and carrier density) impact on the performance of mentioned solar cell