Compositional optimization of photovoltaic grade Cu2ZnSnS 4 films grown by pneumatic spray pyrolysis

M. Espindola-Rodriguez, M. Placidi, O. Vigil-Galán, V. Izquierdo-Roca, X. Fontané, A. Fairbrother, D. Sylla, E. Saucedo, A. Pérez-Rodríguez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report on the compositional optimization of thin film deposition of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) onto Mo/glass substrates for low-cost solar cell applications, using pneumatic spray pyrolysis technique in air ambient. The influence of both, the starting-solution precursor's concentrations (mainly copper chloride and zinc acetate) and the further annealing conditions on the properties of the CZTS have been investigated. Before and after annealing, the films were analyzed with regards to its compositional, structural, morphological and electrical properties. Globally it was found that Cu poor and Zn rich conditions are needed to obtain the desired properties on the CZTS films, minimizing the probability for secondary phase occurrence. Solar cell prototypes were fabricated using a classical CZTS/CdS/i-ZnO/ZnO:Al structure and characterized, correlating their optoelectronic properties with the chemico-physical, structural and electrical characteristics of the layers. Selective oxidation of Zn containing phases is identified as the major drawback of the technique, and its elimination as the most important challenge to improve the device's performance.

Translated title of the contributionOptimización de la composición de películas de Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 de grado fotovoltaico cultivadas mediante pirólisis por pulverización neumática
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-72
Number of pages6
JournalThin Solid Films
Volume535
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 May 2013

Keywords

  • CZTS
  • Kesterite
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • Solar cell
  • Spray pyrolysis

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