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Structural and Compositional Analysis of CZTSSe Thin Films by Varying S/(S+Se) Ratio

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Listed:
  • Mohamed Yassine Zaki

    (National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Florinel Sava

    (National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Iosif Daniel Simandan

    (National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Claudia Mihai

    (National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

  • Alin Velea

    (National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania)

Abstract

The development of kesterite (Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 , CZTSSe) thin films for photovoltaic applications is highly necessary, given their composition of Earth-abundant, environmentally friendly elements and their compatibility with established photovoltaic technologies. This study presents a novel synthesis approach for CZTSSe films with varied S/(S+Se) ratios, ranging from 0.83 to 0.44, by a two-step magnetron sputtering deposition/annealing process. The first step consists in an initial deposition of stacked Mo/SnS 2 /Cu layers, which, upon thermal treatment in a sulfur atmosphere, were transformed into Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) films. In the second step, further deposition of ZnSe and subsequent annealing in a tin and selenium atmosphere resulted in the formation of a CZTSSe phase. These processes were optimized to fabricate high-quality and single-phase CZTSSe films, thereby mitigating the formation of secondary phases. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated a clear correlation between decreased S/(S+Se) ratios and enhanced film densification and grain size. Moreover, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a compositional and structural transition from close to CZTS to nearly a CZTSe phase as the S/(S+Se) ratios decreased. This study advances kesterite-based solar cell technology by enhancing the structural properties and crystallinity of the absorber layer, necessary for improving photovoltaic performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Yassine Zaki & Florinel Sava & Iosif Daniel Simandan & Claudia Mihai & Alin Velea, 2024. "Structural and Compositional Analysis of CZTSSe Thin Films by Varying S/(S+Se) Ratio," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3684-:d:1443431
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Walid Zein & Tarek I. Alanazi & Mostafa M. Salah & Ahmed Saeed, 2023. "Concurrent Design of Alloy Compositions of CZTSSe and CdZnS Using SCAPS Simulation: Potential Routes to Overcoming V OC Deficit," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-14, August.
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