Optimizing the Ratio of Sn4+ and Sn2+ in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Precursor Solution via Air Environment for Highly Efficient Solar Cells

The use of different Sn valence states (such as Sn4+ and Sn2+) in the Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) precursor solution is especially important for the quality of the subsequent growth of the CZTSSe films. The latest study has found that replacing SnCl2 center dot 2H(2)O with anhydrous SnCl4 can remarkably improve the performance of CZTSSe solar cells, but it needs to be operated in the glovebox. Herein, for the precursor solution, SnCl4 center dot 5H(2)O powder is used instead of anhydrous SnCl4 in air environment, and the proportion of Sn4+ and Sn2+ precursor solutions is further systematically studied. When the ratio of Sn4+ to Sn2+ is 1:1, a uniform, compact, and noncracking CZTSSe thin film is obtained, effectively alleviating the interface recombination and reducing the concentration of deep-level defects. In particular, the concentration of Cu-Zn antisite defects is decreased by an order of magnitude, and the carrier recombination and band tail effect are alleviated. When J(SC) is maintained, V-OC and FF are considerably improved. Finally, CZTSSe thin-film solar cells are fabricated with an efficiency of over 11%. Herein, the feasibility of controlling the ratio of Sn4+ to Sn2+ in the CZTSSe precursor solution for higher efficiency of CZTSSe thin-film solar cells is demonstrated.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that controlling the ratio of Sn4+ to Sn2+ in the CZTSSe precursor solution at 1:1 ratio can lead to high-quality and efficient thin-film solar cells.