Abstract
In the present study, we provide useful data related to one of the most promising materials in thin-film solar cell technologies: Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) kesterite structures. Sol-gel spin coating and chemical bath deposition methods were used to fabricate and further investigate Mo/CZTS/CdS/ZnO/AZO heterostructures. In order to examine the crystal structure of the samples, Raman scattering measurements using two excitation wavelengths (514.5 nm and 785 nm) were performed. Three Raman bands related to CZTS were found, as well as one that had its origin in CdS. By using laser ablation and performing Raman spectroscopy on these modified samples, it was shown that during the manufacturing process a MoS2 interlayer was formed between the CZTS and Mo layers. Our method proved that the CZTS layer in a multilayer device structure fabricated by solution-based methods can be decomposed, and thus a detailed analysis of the layer can be performed. Subsequently, current-voltage curves were investigated in terms of the essential electrical properties of glass/Mo/p-CZTS/n-CdS/ZnO/AZO junctions and occurring current transport mechanisms. Finally, AFM data were acquired to study the surface topography of the studied samples. The images showed that these surfaces had a uniform grain structure.
Highlights
The world’s electricity consumption is reaching higher and higher levels along with world population, and that trend is not likely to stop
The measurements proved the formation of a MoS2 interlayer between CZTS and Mo, confirmed by the occurrence of vibration modes at 283 cm−1, 377 cm−1, and 406 cm−1 in the Raman spectra of the studied samples, obtained at a 514.5 nm excitation wavelength and with an argon laser set to 7 mW
I-V measurements of glass/Mo/pCZTS/n-CdS/ZnO/AZO diodes showed rectifying properties of the junctions, as they demonstrated that three different current transport mechanisms can be distinguished from the logI-logV characteristics
Summary
The world’s electricity consumption is reaching higher and higher levels along with world population, and that trend is not likely to stop. The most common electrical energy generation methods currently use coal or natural gas and contribute to climate changes caused primarily by carbon dioxide emissions [1]. Ocean acidification, and the increasing number of climate-related natural catastrophes are only some of the effects of fossil fuel-based energy systems [1,2]. As recent research shows, increasing CO2 concentrations affect the Earth’s climate, and result in the worsening of brain performance [3]. It appears that limiting carbon dioxide production is crucial to maintaining human development levels. All of the above make low-carbon energy sources, such as solar power, highly desirable
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