Fabrication and characterization of photo absorber layers of kesterite (CZTSSe)-based thin film solar cells

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the potential candidates for harvesting electrical energy from the solar spectrum, although much research and development is still necessary. Currently, crystalline silicon (c-Si) is regarded as a significant resource in thin-film PV technology and dominates a significant portion of the photovoltaic market. The c-Si industry continues to struggle despite the introduction of numerous new technologies due to high production and processing costs. Due to the limitations of the c-Si solar cell, alternative solar energy materials with high device performance, low production costs, and environmental tolerance must be explored. Chalcogenide (CIGSSe) and kesterite (CZTSSe) solar cell materials are highly considered to overcome c-Si technology's constraints because to its wide solar spectrum absorption, adjustable band gap property, low production cost, and roll-to-roll manufacturing processKesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) has emerged as a very promising substitute for CIGSSe solar cells due to its utilization of cost-effective, environmentally safe, and readily available ingredients. Thin film photovoltaic technology is predominantly dependent on the utilization of crystalline silicon (c-Si), which now holds a dominant market share of 90%. The c-Si sector continues to face challenges due to the high costs associated with manufacturing and processing methods. Numerous approaches have been devised to surmount the inherent technological challenge associated with conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si). The CZTS solar cell is manufactured utilizing the c-Si technology owing to its wide solar spectrum absorption, adjustable band gap, cost-effective production, and roll-to-roll fabrication process. The primary focus of this study is the production of a high-quality absorber layer of CZTS material using the non-vacuum spray pyrolysis process. If successful in synthesizing a high-quality absorber layer of the aforementioned kesterite material, it is possible to achieve a high-efficiency quaternary kesterite-based thin film solar cell that utilizes ingredients that are both common on Earth and non-toxic.

• Research Project