Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siwon Oh, Soo Yeon Lim, Dae-Ho Son, Jin-Kyu Kang, Hyesun Yoo, Dae-Hwan Kim, Hyeonsik Cheong
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the SnSe2 secondary phase on the performance of a solar cell. The research found that even with a small amount, the SnSe2 secondary phase has a critical impact on the characteristics of the solar cell. Controlling the formation of the SnSe2 secondary phase is identified as a crucial factor in obtaining high-efficiency CZTSSe solar cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
H. Absike, Z. Essalhi, H. Labrim, B. Hartiti, N. Baaalla, M. Tahiri, B. Jaber, H. Ez-zahraouy
Summary: In this study, the influence of control conditions on the physical properties of Copper Oxide thin-film was successfully investigated using sol-gel procedure and spin coating technique. The research utilized the Taguchi model to identify key factors in the deposition process of CuO thin film and analyzed the chemical composition and optical properties of the films. The optimized CuO thin films showed enhanced optical properties, demonstrating their potential as solar cell absorbers in PV devices.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Takahito Nishimura, Atsuya Doi, Jakapan Chantana, Abdurashid Mavlonov, Yu Kawano, Takashi Minemoto
Summary: Silver (Ag) addition promotes crystal growth of the CuGaSe2 (CGSe) photovoltaic absorber, enhancing device performance by reducing nonradiative recombination, improving carrier collection efficiency, and increasing open-circuit voltage. Excessive Ag addition, however, leads to increased series resistance and deterioration of built-in potential in the cells. Ultimately, the conversion efficiency is maximized at a specific Ag/Cu ratio.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Neville J. Cory, Eran Visser, Jessica Chamier, Juliet Sackey, Franscious Cummings, Mahabubur Chowdhury
Summary: In this study, a CuO thin film sensor was prepared using electrodeposition method for photo electrochemical glucose detection, showing good amperometric performance and a wide linear range under light conditions. The band gap of photoactive CuO thin film can be tuned by etching in NH3 solution, and the oxidation of glucose is found to be an irreversible electron transfer process controlled by diffusion.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengqi Zhou, Feng Qin, Zao Yi, Weitang Yao, Zhimin Liu, Xianwen Wu, Pinghui Wu
Summary: The study introduces an ultra-wideband solar energy absorber composed of Ti ring and SiO2-Si3N4-Ti thin films, with absorption efficiency exceeding 90% and high absorptivity peaks. It maintains absorption efficiency above 90% at various polarization and incidence angles, showing great potential for wide-ranging applications.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jan Keller, Hisham Aboulfadl, Lars Stolt, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Marika Edoff
Summary: This contribution investigates the potential of RbF postdeposition treatment on ACIGS solar cells. It is found that while the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density can be improved, the fill factor decreases. However, for some stoichiometric samples, the drop in fill factor can be avoided, resulting in higher efficiencies. Extensive material analysis reveals that the treatment leads to modifications in the absorber layer and restricted diffusion of rubidium. A thin RbInSe2 surface layer is also suggested.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Harinipriya, H. Cassian, V Sudha
Summary: Copper Cobalt Tin Sulfide (CCTS) is synthesized using a cost-effective wet chemical method, resulting in a high absorption coefficient and a single-phase structure suitable for solar cell applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nipawan Suwannakham, Auttasit Tubtimtae
Summary: In this study, aluminum telluride thin films were synthesized using a systematic electrodeposition method at different applied anodic potentials (2-12 V) on conductive FTO glass substrates. The unique properties of the Al2Te3 thin films were investigated using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectroscopy. The results show that the electrodeposited Al2Te3 films can be a promising candidate for solar absorber materials or other optoelectronic applications, with the optimum applied anodic potential condition in the range of 8-12 V.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Raju Nandi, Pravin S. Pawar, KrishnaRao Eswar Neerugatti, Jae Yu Cho, Seongheon Kim, Seong Ho Cho, Yun Seog Lee, Jaeyeong Heo
Summary: The study reports the highest cell efficiency and short-circuit current density for α-SnSe thin-film solar cells grown via vapor-transport-deposition. It shows that the grain size and surface roughness greatly influence the shunt properties of the device, with significantly large shunt losses detected in cases of both small and extremely large grains.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Manoj Kumar, S. S. Anwer Askari, Sanjay K. Ram, Mukul Kumar Das
Summary: We propose an n-ZnO/p-SnOx heterojunction solar cell as a novel pathway to realize all-oxide photo-voltaics. The effects of material parameters and transport models on the performance of the solar cell were investigated using TCAD device simulator. The simulation results showed that optimizing the bandgap and electron affinity of the SnOx layer can lead to a maximum power conversion efficiency of approximately 15.5%.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRON DEVICES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
M. Beraich, M. Oubakala, H. Shaili, S. Mansouri, M. Rouchdi, A. El Hat, M. Taibi, A. Guenbour, A. Bellaouchou, A. Zarrouk, M. Fahoume
Summary: This study successfully synthesized the Cu2MgGeS4 quaternary compound thin film and characterized its properties. The results showed that the compound had the ideal stoichiometry, characteristic crystal structure, and good optical properties, indicating its potential for solar conversion applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui Xia, Yibo Xu, Bingbing Chen, Hiroyuki Kanda, Marius Franckevicius, Rokas Gegevicius, Shubo Wang, Yifeng Chen, Daming Chen, Jianning Ding, Ningyi Yuan, Ying Zhao, Cristina Roldan-Carmona, Xiaodan Zhang, Paul J. Dyson, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin
Summary: Stable wide-bandgap perovskite devices with high efficiencies and open-circuit voltages are achieved through a suitable combination of vacuum-assisted solution processing and interfacial passivation. This approach can be translated to multiple perovskite compositions, enabling the fabrication of efficient and stable wide-bandgap cells in monolithic silicon tandem structures with one of the highest efficiencies reported for n-i-p tandem devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olga Chovnik, Sidney R. Cohen, Iddo Pinkas, Lothar Houben, Tatiana E. Gorelik, Yishay Feldman, Linda J. W. Shimon, Mark A. Iron, Michal Lahav, Milko E. Van der Boom
Summary: The study demonstrates the solvent-free amorphous-to-cocrystalline transformations of nanoscale molecular films, showing that the process involves gradual strengthening of halogen-bonding interactions. In addition, mass transport during gas-solid diffusion and the rigidity of the amorphous films play important roles in the crystallization process.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shobhit K. Patel, Dhruvik Agravat, Osamah Alsalman, Jaymit Surve, Iain Crowe, Sofyan Taya, Truong Khang Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a numerical investigation was conducted on thin film combinations of Fe2O3 and CuO with multiple layers. The optimized structure showed an average absorption of 98% in the ultraviolet and visible regions and 96% in the infrared region of the solar spectrum. These materials have potential applications in optical detectors and communication, with a high absorption rate of 99.9998% at a wavelength of 1690 nm.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Samira Khelifi, Guy Brammertz, Leo Choubrac, Maria Batuk, Sheng Yang, Marc Meuris, Nicolas Barreau, Joke Hadermann, Henk Vrielinck, Dirk Poelman, Kristiaan Neyts, Bart Vermang, Johan Lauwaert
Summary: The study indicates that using non-toxic and earth-abundant kesterite solar cells as the top cell in tandem configuration with crystalline silicon as the bottom cell requires attention to factors such as kesterite top cell efficiency, band gap, and transparency.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maximilian Krause, Jose A. Marquez, Sergej Levcenco, Thomas Unold, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Marika Edoff, Daniel Abou-Ras
Summary: The KF post-deposition treatment can increase Voc by removing Cu-poor, Ag-poor, and Ga-rich regions near the ACIGSe/CdS interface. However, an excessive KF dose may lead to the formation of Cu-poor and K-rich regions near the interface, resulting in a decrease in Voc.
PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Faraz Khavari, Nishant Saini, Jan Keller, Jes K. Larsen, Kostiantyn Sopiha, Natalia M. Martin, Tobias Torndahl, Charlotte Platzer Bjorkman, Marika Edoff
Summary: A new method of sulfur grading in CuInSe2 thin-film solar absorbers is proposed by introducing an ultrathin sacrificial CuInS2 layer. The sulfur grading phenomenon is observed in the Se- and SeS-treated samples, and the formation of mixed CuIn(S,Se)2 phase is confirmed. The treated bilayer samples show higher optical bandgap and V-OC, but exhibit lower efficiency due to the blocking effect of internal electron barrier.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kostiantyn Sopiha, Corrado Comparotto, Jose A. Marquez, Jonathan J. S. Scragg
Summary: Chalcogenide perovskites are emerging as highly stable, earth abundant, and non-toxic candidates for various energy conversion applications, particularly photovoltaics. The existing literature and interesting optoelectronic and transport properties of chalcogenide perovskites support the need for further research and development in this area.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jan Keller, Hisham Aboulfadl, Lars Stolt, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Marika Edoff
Summary: This contribution investigates the potential of RbF postdeposition treatment on ACIGS solar cells. It is found that while the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current density can be improved, the fill factor decreases. However, for some stoichiometric samples, the drop in fill factor can be avoided, resulting in higher efficiencies. Extensive material analysis reveals that the treatment leads to modifications in the absorber layer and restricted diffusion of rubidium. A thin RbInSe2 surface layer is also suggested.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jan Keller, Lars Stolt, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Tomas Kubart, Marika Edoff
Summary: This study evaluates the performance of CIGS and ACIGS solar cells using In2O3:Sn and In2O3:H as transparent back contact materials, highlighting the importance of optimizing the NaF precursor layer and the dependence of efficiency on absorber stoichiometry.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Corrado Comparotto, Petter Strom, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Tomas Kubart, Jonathan J. S. Scragg
Summary: Chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS3 is a promising material for energy conversion, particularly in photovoltaics. However, the thin-film synthesis method is underdeveloped. In this study, a solid-state fabrication route is explored and successfully demonstrates the synthesis of BaZrS3 perovskite compatible with conductive substrates.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Elin Larsson, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Jannica Heinrichs, Staffan Jacobson
Summary: A study found that a boric acid-based fuel additive can significantly reduce fuel consumption in cars and diesel generators. However, the mechanisms behind this are still unclear. Lab tests were conducted to study the formation of boric acid tribofilms at different temperatures. The detection and analysis of these films proved to be challenging, suggesting the need for further research on suitable techniques.
TRIBOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jes K. Larsen, Kostiantyn Sopiha, Clas Persson, Charlotte Platzer-Bjorkman, Marika Edoff
Summary: This contribution investigates the stable and metastable phases forming in CuInS2 (CIS) thin films, which has gained renewed interest due to its potential application in tandem solar cells. The study utilizes a combined theoretical and experimental approach, including ab initio calculations, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, and Raman spectra analysis. Multiple CIS structures with different lattices are identified, and their XRD/Raman patterns are shown to have overlapping features. Thin films with different compositions are synthesized, and it is found that several CIS polymorphs are formed. Additionally, CuIn5S8 and NaInS2 compounds accommodating In-excess are found alongside the CIS polymorphs. The study emphasizes the importance of tight composition control for stabilizing the metastable polymorphs.
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Patrick Pearson, Jan Keller, Lars Stolt, Marika Edoff, Charlotte Platzer Bjorkman
Summary: The effect of composition on the stability of (Ag, Cu)(In, Ga)Se-2 solar cells with different stoichiometry values was assessed. It was found that the depletion width strongly depends on the stoichiometry value, and can be greatly varied through light-soaking and dry-heat treatments. The device performance, particularly the current output, shows a stoichiometry dependence and is significantly affected after each round of treatment.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI B-BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natalia M. Martin, Tobias Torndahl, Melike Babucci, Fredrik Larsson, Konstantin Simonov, Dorotea Gajdek, Lindsay R. Merte, Hakan Rensmo, Charlotte Platzer-Bjorkman
Summary: This research investigates the chemical and electronic properties at the ZTO/CZTS interface and the reactions that may occur at the CZTS absorber surface prior to atomic layer deposition of the buffer layer. The study suggests that the N2 annealing step integrated in the buffer layer growth may be useful for device performance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
Patrick Pearson, Jan Keller, Lars Stolt, Charlotte Platzer Bjorkman
Summary: The stability of thin-film solar cells in different compositions within the (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se-2 material system is evaluated. It is found that Ag-free CuInSe2 is relatively stable, while Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 and high-Ga (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se-2 suffer from degradation. Ga-free (Ag,Cu)InSe2 also experiences a decrease in voltage and fill factor. Furthermore, the addition of Ag reduces doping and increases the response to treatments.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI B-BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sebastian Ohman, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Mats Boman, Tobias Torndahl
Summary: Understanding crystallization and its controlling mechanisms is crucial for improving the design of inorganic materials. In this study, in situ heating in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to investigate the crystallization phenomena in an Al-Ti-O system. The results indicate that crystallization occurs through a two-step process, with initial formation of numerous smaller crystals followed by rapid growth. The study also reveals the polymorphic nature of the amorphous-to-crystalline transformation and the preferential growth into larger crystals, suggesting a diffusionless mechanism.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Melike Babucci, Debora M. Meira, Erik Wallin, Jan Keller, Olivier Donzel-Gargand, Charlotte Platzer Bjorkman, Natalia M. Martin
Summary: Alloying CIGS solar cell absorber with silver can improve the performance of thin-film solar cells by increasing the optical band gap and open-circuit voltage. By using angle-resolved XAS and other measurement techniques, it is found that the local atomic arrangement of ACIGS absorbers with varying Ag content and Ga depth gradient deviates from the long-range crystallographic structure, which may affect the electronic properties of solar cells.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Stefan Zeiske, Christina Kaiser, Oskar J. Sandberg, Tove Ericson, Paul Meredith, Charlotte Platzer-Bjorkman, Ardalan Armin
Summary: This study investigates the impact of cadmium sulfide buffer layers on the performance of kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4) photodetectors. The results demonstrate that devices with a 100 nm cadmium sulfide layer exhibit the best performance, achieving a linear dynamic range of 180 dB and frequency responses in the range of tens of kHz. The key limiting factors are identified as shunt resistance-induced thermal noise and defect-induced nonradiative losses. Additionally, the upper radiative limit of specific detectivity is estimated to be approximately 1019 Jones. These findings highlight the potential of kesterites as interesting earth abundant candidates for photodetection applications.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Charlotte Platzer Bjorkman, Jes K. Larsen, Nishant Saini, Melike Babucci, Natalia Martin
Summary: The performance of Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) ultrathin solar cells was studied, and it was found that reducing the thickness had a relatively small impact on performance. Insertion of thin passivation layers at the Mo/CZTS interface improved the performance.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2022)
