Analysis of the electronic structures of 3d transition metals doped CuGaS2 based on DFT calculations

Abstract

3d transition metals doped CuGaS2 are considered as possible absorbing material candidates for intermediated band thin film solar cells. The electronic structure and optical properties of 3d transition metals doped CuGaS2 are investigated by using density functional theory calculations with the GGA + U method in the present work. The doping with 3d transition metals does not obviously change the crystal structure, band gap, and optical absorption edge of the CuGaS2 host. However, in the case of CuGa1−xTMxS2 (TM = Ti, V, Cr, Fe, and Ni), there is at least one distinct isolated impurity energy level in the band gap, and the optical absorption is enhanced in the ultraviolet-light region. Therefore, these materials are ideal absorber material candidates for intermediated band thin film solar cells. The calculated results are very well consistent with experimental observations, and could better explain them.