Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Serap Yigit Gezgin, Amina Houimi, Yasemin Gundogdu, Bedrettin Mercimek, Hamdi Sukur Kilic
Summary: This study grew CIGS ultrathin films of different thicknesses on a n-Si substrate using PLD technique and formed Ag/CIGS/Si/Al hetero-junction solar cells. The research found that the CIGS ultrathin film of 183 nm thickness showed the highest short circuit current density and power conversion efficiency values.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Andre F. Violas, Antonio J. N. Oliveira, Jennifer P. Teixeira, Tomas S. Lopes, Joao R. S. Barbosa, Paulo A. Fernandes, Pedro M. P. Salome
Summary: Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells are high-performance thin-film technologies that can benefit from post-deposition treatments (PDT) and ultrathin absorbers. However, electrical and optical limitations hinder their widespread implementation. In this study, an updated and experimentally based baseline model for electrical simulations in SCAPS software is developed, incorporating PDT effects and improved optical accuracy. The model is validated with champion solar cells and applied to ultrathin CIGS devices, paving the way for an ultrathin baseline model. Simulation results show that addressing inherent limitations can achieve ultrathin solar cells with high power conversion efficiency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Seung Hoon Lee, Gyu Hyun Lee, Hae-Seok Lee, Donghwan Kim, Yoonmook Kang
Summary: The study demonstrates that CIS solar cells prepared via three-stage MOCVD show high energy conversion efficiency without the need for a buffer layer. By applying a Cu-deficient layer, a buried pn junction can be created, indicating that the fabrication of fully-MOCVD-processed CIS photovoltaic devices is feasible.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Klaas Bakker, Suzanne Assen, Alix Rasia, Nicolas Barreau, Arthur Weeber, Mirjam Theelen
Summary: This study introduces a model that describes the behavior of Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 (CIGS) cells under reverse bias caused by partial shading. The model considers the low and non-Ohmic leakage current and explains the sharp increase in current observed in the CIGS reverse characteristics using the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling effect. The model has been validated against measurements at different temperatures and illumination intensities, and can describe the dependencies of the reverse bias behavior on both temperature and illumination.
IEEE JOURNAL OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
B. Barman, P. K. Kalita
Summary: The research aims to improve the efficiency of conventional baseline structured CIGS solar cells by adding a PbS layer between the CIGS absorber and the Mo back contact. Simulation results show an increase in conversion efficiency after adding the PbS layer, indicating its potential for enhancing carrier collection efficiency and reducing back surface recombination. Variations and optimization of the PbS layer's thickness, energy band gap, and electron affinity were studied, along with the impact of operating temperature on overall cell performance. These findings suggest promising prospects for future performance and cost-effective solar cells.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhimin Fang, Qiang Zeng, Chuantian Zuo, Lixiu Zhang, Hanrui Xiao, Ming Cheng, Feng Hao, Qinye Bao, Lixue Zhang, Yongbo Yuan, Wu-Qiang Wu, Dewei Zhao, Yuanhang Cheng, Hairen Tan, Zuo Xiao, Shangfeng Yang, Fangyang Liu, Zhiwen Jin, Jinding Yan, Liming Ding
Summary: Perovskite-based tandem solar cells have shown rapid progress in recent years, with their excellent optoelectronic properties and tunable bandgaps making them potential candidates for developing high-efficiency solar cells. These tandem cells can be combined with silicon, Cu(In,Ga)Se-2, and organic cells. However, the field also faces challenges and opportunities for further improvement and innovation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Motoshi Nakamura, Ching Chang Lin, Chie Nishiyama, Keishi Tada, Takeru Bessho, Hiroshi Segawa
Summary: It was found that ion bombardment during ITO sputtering can improve the device performance and increase the power conversion efficiency of PVK solar cells. The use of a MoOx buffer layer can be eliminated to develop semitransparent PVK cells with higher durability and transmittance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Motoshi Nakamura, Ching Chang Lin, Chie Nishiyama, Keishi Tada, Takeru Bessho, Hiroshi Segawa
Summary: The effect of ion bombardment during ITO sputtering on PVK solar cells was found to be non-detrimental and even improved the power conversion efficiency by enhancing band alignment through oxidation of the hole transport layer (HTL). By eliminating the use of the MoOx buffer layer, the researchers were able to develop more durable and higher transmittance semi-transparent PVK cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Celal Alp Yavru, Murat Kaleli, Ismail Serkan Uncu, Murat Koc, Durmus Ali Aldemir
Summary: Glass/Mo/CIGS/Yb Schottky photodiodes were fabricated by the physical vapor deposition method. The structural and morphological characterization of the CIGS layer on Mo was carried out. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics were studied in the dark, under solar light, and infrared. The study revealed that the diodes had an ideality factor of 1.55 and a zero bias barrier height of 0.84 eV in the dark. Moreover, the rise and decay times were shorter for solar light compared to infrared, and decreased as solar light intensity increased. The responsivity value for 100 mW/cm2 solar light was found to be 8.5 mA/W, while for infrared light it was 3.4 mA/W. Capacitance-voltage and conductance-voltage characteristics were also evaluated for different frequencies.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Chen Wang, Daming Zhuang, Ming Zhao, Yuxian Li, Liangzheng Dong, Hanpeng Wang, Jinquan Wei, Qianming Gong
Summary: The research utilized Br2-CH3OH solution to etch the surfaces of CIGS films, effectively reducing surface roughness and removing Cu-Se phase, thereby improving device performance. CIGS films with suitable surface roughness efficiently absorb light, while excessive etching results in thinning of the film and increased carrier recombination at the back electrode.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Firoz Khan, Vakeel Ahmad, Thamraa Alshahrani, Masoud Al-Rasheidi, Abdulaziz M. Alanazi, Kashif Irshad, Md Hasan Zahir, Jae Hyun Kim
Summary: In this study, N-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) were used as luminescent downshifting layers to improve the performance of CIGS solar cells. A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) polymer-based matrix was used for mechanical strength and chemical stability. However, the PMMA layer caused photoluminescence (PL) quenching, so the N-GQDs/PMMA layer was annealed at different temperatures (20-80 degrees C) to obtain optimal performance. These layers were applied on top of the CIGS solar cells, resulting in enhanced Jsc and eta values. The best eta value was achieved at 60 degrees C.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Longlong Zeng, Linquan Zhang, Yunfeng Liang, Chunhong Zeng, Zeyu Qiu, Haofeng Lin, Ruijiang Hong
Summary: In this study, a novel low-temperature fabrication strategy of CIGS solar cells using the bismuth (Bi)-doping method is reported, and its growth-promoting mechanism is studied. Bi doping significantly improves grain growth and enhances the efficiency of solar cells. The formation of Cu-Bi-Se compounds promotes the crystallization of CIGS absorbers and enhances carrier transport. Bi doping also increases the open circuit voltage of the solar cells.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Alban Lafuente-Sampietro, Katsuhisa Yoshida, Shenghao Wang, Shogo Ishizuka, Hajime Shibata, Nobuyuki Sano, Katsuhiro Akimoto, Takeaki Sakurai
Summary: In this article, the effect of the double grading in a CIGS absorber is studied from the carrier perspective. It is found that finding the ideal notch position to maximize carrier collection while minimizing recombination rate is a compromise process.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhanpeng Wei, Yiheng Shi, Qing Li, Qiang Niu, Yu Hou, Shuang Yang
Summary: This study develops an analytical model to understand the temperature sensitivity of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). By considering the temperature-dependent bandgap and band edge, the model quantitively describes the impact of various physical factors on photovoltaic performance. It was found that the built-in electrical field and minority carrier concentration at interface are closely related to temperature, which affect the temperature sensitivity of the device.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiseon Hwang, Yunae Cho, Donghyeop Shin, Inyoung Jeong, Joo Hyung Park, Jun-Sik Cho, Jihye Gwak, Jae Ho Yun, Kyuseung Han, Hyo Sik Chang, Kihwan Kim
Summary: Incorporating a small amount of silver improved the performance of CIGS solar cells by enhancing fill factors and reducing detrimental state densities, suggesting that device quality can be tuned by silver additions.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Ballabio, David Fuertes Marron, Nicolas Barreau, Mischa Bonn, Enrique Canovas
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Klaas Bakker, Hanna Nilsson Ahman, Teun Burgers, Nicolas Barreau, Arthur Weeber, Mirjam Theelen
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2020)
Article
Physics, Applied
Sheng Yang, Samira Khelifi, Guy Brammertz, Leo Choubrac, Nicolas Barreau, Pieter Bolt, Bart Vermang, Johan Lauwaert
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2020)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aleksandra Nikolaeva, Maximilian Krause, Norbert Schaefer, Wolfram Witte, Dimitrios Hariskos, Tim Kodalle, Christian A. Kaufmann, Nicolas Barreau, Daniel Abou-Ras
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Palas Baran Pati, Ruwen Wang, Etienne Boutin, Stephane Diring, Stephane Jobic, Nicolas Barreau, Fabrice Odobel, Marc Robert
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leo Choubrac, Marcus Baer, Xeniya Kozina, Roberto Felix, Regan G. Wilks, Guy Brammertz, Sergiu Levcenko, Ludovic Arzel, Nicolas Barreau, Sylvie Harel, Marc Meuris, Bart Vermang
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Polyxeni Tsoulka, Adrien Rivalland, Ludovic Arzel, Nicolas Barreau
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Polyxeni Tsoulka, Nicolas Barreau, Isabelle Braems, Ludovic Arzel, Sylvie Harel
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yury Smirnov, Laura Schmengler, Riemer Kuik, Pierre-Alexis Repecaud, Mehrdad Najafi, Dong Zhang, Mirjam Theelen, Erkan Aydin, Sjoerd Veenstra, Stefaan De Wolf, Monica Morales-Masis
Summary: Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) has been demonstrated as an effective technique for growing high-mobility Zr-doped In2O3 (IZrO) films for solar cells, showcasing excellent optoelectronic properties. When applied as the rear electrode in semi-transparent halide perovskite solar cells, PLD-grown IZrO leads to an improved stabilized maximum power point efficiency (15.1%) compared to cells with sputtered ITO electrodes (11.9%).
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ruwen Wang, Etienne Boutin, Nicolas Barreau, Fabrice Odobel, Julien Bonin, Marc Robert
Summary: The challenge of converting CO2 into valuable compounds, such as fuels, using renewable energy sources and sustainable compounds is being addressed through artificial photosynthesis research. One promising approach involves solar-assisted electrochemical processes where electrons are supplied by a photovoltaic cell. A PV-EC system has been developed that can reduce CO2 to CO and then convert it to methanol with limited bias voltage. The efficiency of this CO2-to-CH3OH reaction is around 28% under ideal conditions.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pelin Yilmaz, Jurriaan Schmitz, Mirjam Theelen
Summary: This review paper provides an overview of studies on Potential Induced Degradation (PID) in copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) photovoltaics, including observations, proposed origins, testing methods, and preventive measures. Studies on cells, minimodules, and modules are presented and compared.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nicolas Barreau, Olivier Durand, Eugene Bertin, Antoine Letoublon, Charles Cornet, Polyxeni Tsoulka, Eric Gautron, Daniel Lincot
Summary: This study investigates the epitaxial growth of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films (CIGSe) onto GaP/Si(001) pseudosubstrates using co-evaporation, with GaP thin layer epitaxially grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE). Extensive structural characterization of epi-CIGSe is performed through X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, revealing strong evidence of epitaxial growth of CIGSe on (GaP/Si)(001) and the propagation of twins from the GaP/Si interface through the CIGSe/GaP interface. This research aims to pave the way for future CIGSe/GaP/Si structures for tandem solar cells with c-Si bottom cell and GaP interfacial buffer layer, facilitating high-quality CIGSe epitaxial growth as a thin film top cell absorber.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mirjam Theelen, Robin J. P. Broos, Arjan Hovestad
Summary: This study investigates the degradation mechanisms of the molybdenum back contact in Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 solar cells under the presence of atmospheric species. The degradation rate was found to be the highest when liquid water and oxygen were combined. Degradation in water was less without oxygen, while air exposure resulted in the least degradation. The main degradation product was MoO2, which was found in areas where metallic molybdenum was not fully covered by MoSe2. Therefore, MoSe2 acts as a good protective measure against molybdenum oxidation and plays an important role in protecting CIGS devices from environmental degradation.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Aninat, A. Hovestad, F. van Zelst, F. J. van den Bruele, J. J. Schermer, J. Emmelkamp, E. Vlieg, H. Linden, M. Theelen
Summary: By using in-situ X-ray diffraction technique, the effect of pre-annealing on Cu-In-Ga electroplated and sputtered thin films, which are precursor materials for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)(2) based solar cells, was studied in a custom-made furnace. The results showed that the shelf time at room temperature significantly affected the metallic phases in the precursors, unlike sputtered precursors. Above the decomposition temperature of Cu11In9 (310℃) and below around 520℃, mainly Cu-9(In,Ga)4 phase remained in all precursors. These findings have implications for high quality CIGS manufacturing.
Article
Physics, Applied
Klaas Bakker, Alix Rasia, Suzanne Assen, Basma Ben Said Aflouat, Arthur Weeber, Mirjam Theelen