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Electrodeposition of kesterite thin films for photovoltaic applications: Quo vadis?
Author(s) -
Colombara D.,
Crossay A.,
Vauche L.,
Jaime S.,
Arasimowicz M.,
Grand P.P.,
Dale P. J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.201431364
Subject(s) - kesterite , czts , chalcogenide , materials science , photovoltaic system , nanotechnology , energy conversion efficiency , thin film , deposition (geology) , engineering physics , optoelectronics , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering , geology , paleontology , sediment
This paper aims at providing an updated overview of the main achievements in the development of solar cells based on Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTS(Se)) kesterite absorbers obtained by electrodeposition. Although undoubtedly challenging, the ultimate goal is to learn from the past works and build a solid framework for future advances in this field. What is the reason for the lower efficiency of electrodeposited CZTS(Se)‐based devices (8%) compared to the world record efficiency achieved with a hydrazine‐based solution approach (12.6%)? Can this gap be filled, or there are intrinsic limitations for this achievement? The review is divided into the three main electrodeposition approaches: sequential elemental layer, alloy co‐deposition, and chalcogenide co‐deposition. It is argued that considerable technical challenges must be overcome for the latter approach to be successfully applied. Plot of the record power conversion efficiencies of kesterite sulfide‐based solar cells obtained by electrodeposition (hollow dots), and world record efficiency of CZTS(Se)‐based devices (full dots). The dashed line shows the 15% minimum efficiency threshold considered relevant for potential industrial application.