CZTSSe Solar Cell Efficiency Improvement Using A N
CZTSSe Solar Cell Efficiency Improvement Using A N
A (2017) 123:758
DOI 10.1007/s00339-017-1371-x
Received: 9 May 2017 / Accepted: 31 October 2017 / Published online: 10 November 2017
© Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2017
Abstract Earth abundant copper–zinc–tin–chalcogenide conventional energy resources [1]. Solar radiation has both
is an attractive class of materials for the fabrication of high high power and redundancy as well as good accessibility
efficiency, low cost, and sustainable thin-film solar cells. A compared to the other accessible energy resources. By the
CZTSSe solar cell was modeled and the effects of absorber appropriate usage of photovoltaic effect, it is possible to con-
layer band-gap grading were investigated. Regarding the tun- vert this radiation into consumable electricity.
able bandgap of kesterite absorber layers which is between Solar cells are divided into three generations based on
0.95 eV for CZTSe and 1.5 eV for CZTS, several grad- their applied materials. Among thin-film technologies, cad-
ing models were simulated in SCAPS. First, using a set of mium telluride (CdTe) and Cu2InGaSe4 (CIGSe)-based solar
comprehensive absorption data for CZTS and CZTSe, the cells have reached to efficiencies around 22.1 and 22.6%,
basic bandgap was selected to be 1.15 eV due to experi- respectively [2, 3]. However, the existence of rare (In, Te
mental aspects, and then, five grading models namely back/ and Ga) and heavy (Cd) elements in these compositions limit
front linear, back/front exponential, and inside graded were their vast usage. Recently, it has been shown that Cu2ZnSnS4
explored. The investigation of simulation results showed (CZTS) has a significant photovoltaic performance which
that the recombination rate improvement in back and front attracted the attention of research laboratories.
regions along with current density enhancement is achiev- CZTS is a kesterite-based semiconductor which could be
able by these graded band-gap profiles. Finally, the modi- fabricated by solution processes, and thus, it is possible to
fied inside graded model was reached to a power conversion coat them on large substrates with an optimized material
efficiency of 15.6% which leaded to a considerable output utilization [4]. This kesterite absorber layer has an energy
performance. gap around 1.4–1.5 eV and being tunable is its most pivotal
property. As a result, this layer absorbs a higher amount of
solar radiation with an absorption coefficient more than 104
1 Introduction cm−1 [5].
Adding Se to CZTS shifts its bandgap toward 1 eV. In
According to the growing shortage of fossil fuels and other words, replacing S with Se in absorber layer decreases
global warning, photovoltaic technology and materials have the bandgap. Hence, current density improves significantly
attracted a great attention within past decades. Furthermore, which enhances C u2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cell effi-
the cost of solar power is being more competitive with the ciency in comparison with CZTS. In addition, there are two
models for grains distribution, small grains stand in bottom
and larger ones place in the top regions of absorber layer
* Ali Baghban Parashkouh [6]. The highest recorded efficiency of CZTSSe solar cell is
alibaghban1369@yahoo.com
about 12.6% which puts minds on producing low-cost elec-
Shahram Mohammadnejad tricity [7]. The different procedures of adding Se to CZTS
Shahramm@iust.ac.ir
and the adjustment of its bandgap are the main issues in the
1
Department of Electrical Engineering, Iran University absorber layer grading. Using high content of Se in CZTSSe
of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran solar cells gives rise to a better power conversion efficiency
13
Vol.:(0123456789)
(PCE) because of easier n- and p-type doping control and front sides of the absorber. For problem simplification, this
the carrier generation enhancement [8]. group assumed that S grading near front side keeps Ec flat
Kesterite-based polycrystalline solar cells have naturally a but spreads Ev [15]. Hence, there are two main reasons for Ev
high series resistance and a low shunt resistance. The series down shifting. First, Cu-depleted phase [because of Cu(In,
resistance in CZTSSe solar cells is 3–10 times greater than Ga)3Se5 usage] and second, by Ga/In or Se/S ratio which is
other high efficiency technologies. Mo(S,Se)x layer between intentional. These two methods are described below.
Mo and CZTSSe which forms a Schotcky type contact and
Zn(S,Se) secondary phases are two reasons that justify this 2.1 Intentional and unintentional grading
high resistance. If these secondary phases precipitate in
space charge region (SCR), shunt resistance will be affected From a practical view, grading could be divided in two
too. In addition, these solar cells’ performance is influenced groups: intentional and unintentional. As an instance in
by temperature variations and electron–hole life-time which CIGS solar cells, Cu-poor surfaces play an important role to
depends on defect types. Furthermore, CZTS solar cells have reach higher efficiencies. Unintentional groups are process-
many similar electrical and optical properties with CdTe related and happen by Cu depletion. This depletion grades
and CIGSe technologies which help researchers to design valence band in absorber/CdS interface and thus decreases
more reliable cells. Thus, CZTS solar cells could readily be recombination in this region. On the contrary, intentional
fabricated by thin-film technologies developed for CIGSe grading is caused by controlled variation in absorber’s com-
[6, 9, 10]. position (here, Ga/In and Se/S ratio) and could be tuned
during different steps of the coating process. It is shown that
graded structures help researchers to use both high and low
2 Grading models bandgaps to enhance Jsc and Voc at the same time.
Actually, separating current generation and carrier
CZTS is a quaternary semiconductor and the crystal struc- recombination mechanisms is the main reason of band-gap
ture of CZTSSe is similar to it, but changes in its bandgap engineering in this absorber layers. Totally, Voc and Jsc are,
appear due to the structural, compositional, electrical, and respectively, depended on the bandgap of SCR and the band-
optical properties [11]. This layers are designed to achieve gap minimum. Current–voltage thermal measurements have
an optimal bandgap which enhances the photon absorption shown that dominant recombination mechanism appears in
and carrier diffusion [12]. Actually, the main goal of compo- the SCR which makes Voc more dependent to bandgap [16].
sitional grading is to obtain a suitable model for bandgap to
get a higher Jsc while maintaining Voc. Yet, there is a 17.4% 2.2 Normal and reverse grading
PCE difference between Shockley–Queisser’s (SQ) limit in a
single junction solar cell and the practical value of CZTSSe Bandgap profiling includes several models like normal,
in the laboratories [7, 13]. reverse, and some mixed forms of these two. Normal and
Bandgap grading in this kind of solar cells is performed reverse grading and their differences in front and back sides
in the range of Cu2ZnSnSe4 (Eg = 0.95 eV) to Cu2ZnSnS4 of absorber layer are shown in Fig. 1. By getting closer
(Eg = 1.5 eV) and the tuning factor is Se/(Se + S) ratio. As to back contact in the normal form, absorber’s bandgap
a result of this grading, the absorption spectrum of CZTSSe increases and its electron affinity decreases almost linearly.
solar cells transfers linearly toward sections with lower ener- The resulted band-gap gradient makes a semi-electrical
gies [14]. Therefore, the Fermi level splits under illumina- field in solar cell. This extra field enhances electrons dif-
tion and it helps the solar cell to absorb a wider range of fusion length and helps carrier collection including minor-
photons. Similar improvements could be seen in the Jsc and ity carriers. In addition, Voc is increased by the reduction
Voc of CIGS solar cells depending on their single or multi- in recombination rate which is caused by lowered bandgap
ple band-gap profiles. Thus, grading experiences from both near back contact. In addition, the linearly increased band-
kinds of kesterites and chalcopyrites are explored in this gap decreases the position-dependent absorption coefficient
paper. and thus Jsc.
It is very important to know how Ec and Ev are affected On the other hand, bandgap decreases linearly near back
by the graded structure. Although, scientists mostly consider contact in reverse grading. Therefore, the recombination
their role in Ec, both bands might be affected using some decreases in this region and due to the higher bandgap in
specific materials. In a Cu(In1−x, Gax)(Se1−y, Sy)2 absorber SCR the Voc is improved. The reverse electrical field pre-
layer designed by Decock et al., bandgap is graded near the vents Jsc improvement by limiting carrier collection. In other
SCR and back contact region, respectively, with Se and Ga. words, there will not be an impressive progress in current
Adding Ga in the vicinity of the back contact increases band- density [17]. Different models like double and multi-grad-
gap by an offset on Ec, but both bands are affected using S in ing have special characteristics among absorber thickness.
13
2.3 Alloy formation
13
Fig. 3 a Carrier generation with an incoming photon. b Ec gradient and resulting field in back region, similar field forms near SCR but in oppo-
site direction
3 The suggested solar cell structure and L A,B is the characteristic length [22]. Linear grading is
and absorption analysis the most common and simplest grading law. In addition,
the parabolic dependence could be shown by the following
Solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) is a numerical equation:
solar cell simulation tool which needs an initial guess to Eg (y) = (1 − y)EgA + yEgB − b ⋅ y(1 − y), (6)
extract device characteristics. Defining layers with graded
parameters in the form of A1−yBy is an important ability where EgA and EgB are bandgaps of pure materials A and B,
of SCAPS. The compound materials’ properties varying respectively. In the case of CZTSSe alloys, pure A and pure
between A and B along layer thickness are defined as a func- B are respectively referred to CZTS and CZTSe. The bow-
tion of y [22]: ing factor of CZTSSe alloy is composition-independent and
has a value around 0.1. This small bowing factor shows an
P = f [y(x)]. (2) almost linear behavior. The small dimensions of Se and S
Changes in other material properties besides band-gap and their slight chemical differences are the reasons for such
grading is another significant issue which is observed in small bowing factor [24].
SCAPS [23]. Several grading laws such as uniform, linear, In a normal situation where all layers are uniform,
logarithmic, parabolic, exponential, beta function, etc are there are two driving forces for current. First, electro-
included in SCAPS. Equations of linear, parabolic, and static potential gradient which forms drift current and the
exponential laws are presented below: other one is carrier density gradient (∇p, ∇n)forming dif-
fusion current. In the case of a graded layer, electron–hole
PA (yB − y) + PB (y − yA )
Linear → P(y) = (3) continuity and Poisson’s equations should be corrected
yB − yA
with mobility gradient (∇𝜇n , ∇𝜇p ) and dielectric constant
gradient (∇𝜀) respectively. On the other hand, other driv-
PA (yB − y) + PB (y − yA ) (y − y)(y − yA )
Parabolic → P(y) = −b B ing forces like bandgap gradient (∇Eg ), electron affinity
yB − yA (yB − yA )2 gradient (∇𝜒), and effective density of states gradient on
(4) conductive and valence band (∇(log Nc ), ∇(log Nv )) should
yB −y y−yA
Sinh( ) Sinh( )
(5)
LA LB
Exponential → P(y) = P0 + (PA − P0 ) yB −yA + (PB − P0 ) yB −yA ,
Sinh( L ) Sinh( L )
A B
where b is bowing factor, yA and yB are composition val- be considered in the simulations to obtain more accurate
ues in A and B sides, respectively, P0 is background value, outputs [25].
13
Most CZTSSe solar cells have similar structure with higher quality and stability. Hence, simulations are based
common layers in different parts. Several back and front on a Mo/CZTSSe/n-CdS/ZnO/ZnO:Al structure, as shown
contacts were investigated in laboratories and simulation in Fig. 4.
studies, and some improvements in output performance The properties of each layer should be entered in
and material aspects have been reached. Kesterite-based SCAPS definition panel to start simulations. Absorption
polycrystalline solar cells have naturally a high series data of each layer are very important in this section. For
resistance and a low shunt resistance. Hence, a 4.25 and a some layers like CdS SCAPS, absorption information is
370 Ω cm2 were included in the simulations, respectively, used, but comprehensive data are entered for CZTS and
as series and shunt resistances [26]. The structure used CZTSe that are the main part of solar cell absorption. A
in this paper is similar to the accepted forms of kesterite summary of material properties is presented in Table 1
thin-film solar cells. Mo is the most suitable contact in [23, 26–28].
the back side of cell and CZTSSe absorber layer is grown The layer optical absorption at different wavelengths
above it. After CZTSSe, a 50 nm n-type CdS buffer layer is an essential parameter to obtain acceptable numerical
is deposited which is 50 times thinner than absorber. results. Thus, absorption coefficient is one of the crucial
Window layer and front contact are n-ZnO and ZnO:Al, issues in grading. The following algorithm explains how
respectively. Although using ZnO:Al in this structure the absorption coefficient is calculated for an A1−yBy com-
somewhat attenuates PCE, it forms a better contact with pound with absorption data of A at y = 0 (𝛼A (𝜆)) and B at
y = 1 (𝛼B (𝜆)) [25]:
13
∫𝜆ZnO (10)
Jloss = q F1.5 (𝜆)ABC d𝜆,
grading model across absorbers thickness.
Several grading models were explored after applying
where ABC is the back contact optical absorption, F1.5 (𝜆) is 1.15 eV as CZTSSe basic bandgap. Achieving a structure to
the incident spectrum flux density at AM1.5G, and integral reduce the recombination rate in front and back regions and
Fig. 5 Absorption curves of solar cell layers. CZTS, CZTSe, CdS, ZnO, and ZnO:Al
13
Table 2 First step simulation results to compare 1.15 and 1.3 eV should be optimized to reach the mentioned goals. The sug-
bandgaps gested band-gap structures are back/front linear, back/front
Bandgap Eg (eV) Voc (V) Jsc (mA/cm2) FF (%) PCE (%) exponential, and inside graded in two different uniform and
profile graded parts thicknesses. Figure 6 shows these grading mod-
els on conduction band. To obtain suitable thickness for dif-
Uniform 1.15 0.70 28.58 63.61 12.91
ferent parts, 0.5 μm and 50 nm uniform parts are simulated
1.3 0.87 22.66 65.97 13
on both sides of absorber which has two graded parts inside.
Normal linear 1.15–1.30 0.63 43.07 56.77 15.35
Simulation results for models shown in Fig. 6 are listed in
1.30–1.40 0.62 39.75 58.33 14.36
Table 3. According to results, 0.5 μm uniform structure in
Reverse linear 1.15–1.30 0.79 27.58 67.89 14.94
back side of solar cell is appropriate for recombination low-
1.30–1.40 0.73 28.62 66.66 14.04
ering and PCE improvement, but the same uniform part in
Normal expo- 1.15–1.30 0.62 44.47 55.61 15.20
nential front side attenuates output performance, and it is better to
1.30–1.40 0.59 41.33 55.57 13.52
decrease its thickness to 50 nm. A shorter 1.3 eV part in
Reverse expo- 1.15–1.30 0.79 23.03 68.24 12.46
nential this region provides more chance for Jsc and other outputs
1.30–1.40 0.72 24.68 67.12 11.90
improvement. PCEs in inside graded model are 13.01, 15.04,
and 15.60%. The detailed outputs of the last and best sam-
ple are Voc = 0.65 V, Jsc=38.81 mA/cm2 and FF = 60.48%.
The 0.5 μm and 50 nm uniform parts reduce recombina-
tion rate near back contact and SCR, respectively, and the
other 1.7 μm graded part provides good absorption ability.
The energy parameters grading and J–V curve of the inside
graded model in its best form (with 15.60% power conver-
sion efficiency) are illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 respectively.
5 Conclusion
Table 3 Results of grading Band-gap model Thickness (μm) (Tuni, Tgrd) Voc (V) Jsc (mA/cm2) FF (%) PCE (%)
models on absorber layer
Back linear Tuni = 2, Tgrd = 0.5 0.58 44.46 53.76 13.86
Tuni = 2.45, Tgrd = 0.05 0.52 40.97 51.97 11.06
Front linear Tuni = 2, Tgrd = 0.5 0.75 19.44 65.77 9.64
Tuni = 2.45, Tgrd = 0.05 0.72 31.75 58.57 13.51
Back exponential Tuni = 2, Tgrd = 0.5 0.58 43.57 54.01 13.56
Tuni = 2.45, Tgrd = 0.05 0.54 40.18 53.79 11.69
Front exponential Tuni = 2, Tgrd = 0.5 0.74 18.12 64.60 8.7
Tuni = 2.45, Tgrd = 0.05 0.72 31.89 58.60 13.58
Inside graded Tuni = 0.75, 0.75 0.68 35.78 62.18 15.04
Tgrd = 0.50, 0.50
Tuni = 0.75, 0.05 0.67 38.81 60.48 15.60
Tgrd = 0.85, 0.85
Tuni = 0.05, 0.75 0.66 31.34 63.48 13.10
Tgrd = 0.85, 0.85
13
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