Abstract
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a promising candidate material for photovoltaic applications; hence, ecofriendly methods are required to fabricate CZTS films. In this work, we fabricated CZTS nanocrystal inks by a wet ball milling method, with the use of only nontoxic solvents, followed by filtration. We performed centrifugation to screen the as-milled CZTS and obtain nanocrystals. The distribution of CZTS nanoparticles during centrifugation was examined and nanocrystal inks were obtained after the final centrifugal treatment. The as-fabricated CZTS nanocrystal inks were used to deposit CZTS precursors with precisely controlled CZTS films by a spin-coating method followed by a rapid high pressure sulfur annealing method. Both the grain growth and crystallinity of the CZTS films were promoted and the composition was adjusted from S poor to S-rich by the annealing. XRD and Raman characterization showed no secondary phases in the annealed film, the absence of the detrimental phases. A solar cell efficiency of 6.2% (open circuit voltage: Voc = 633.3 mV, short circuit current: Jsc = 17.6 mA/cm2, and fill factor: FF = 55.8%) with an area of 0.2 cm2 was achieved based on the annealed CZTS film as the absorber layer.
Highlights
Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells have drawn attention because of their promise as an absorbing layer for applications in thin-film photovoltaics owing to its low cost, nontoxicity and earth abundance of its elemental components as well as an adjustable bandgap [1,2,3]
One advantage of CZTS over other kinds of chalcopyrite-related solar cells is its suitability for achieving high efficiency solar cells through nonvacuum fabrication methods
The world record conversion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells is currently 12.6% [4] based on a hydrazine pure solution approach
Summary
Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells have drawn attention because of their promise as an absorbing layer for applications in thin-film photovoltaics owing to its low cost, nontoxicity and earth abundance of its elemental components as well as an adjustable bandgap [1,2,3]. There have been several reports on the fabrication of CZTS or CZTSSe solar cells. The highest conversion efficiency CZTS solar cells are based on molecular precursor solutions or nanoparticle dispersions [12,13].
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