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Hydrogen-enhanced carrier collection enabling wide-bandgap Cd-free Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells with 11.4% certified efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Ao Wang

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Jialin Cong

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Shujie Zhou

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Jialiang Huang

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Jingwen Cao

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Xin Cui

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Xiaojie Yuan

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Yin Yao

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Zhou Xu

    (Monash University)

  • Guojun He

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Jefferson Zhe Liu

    (The University of Melbourne)

  • Julie M. Cairney

    (The University of Sydney)

  • Yi-sheng Chen

    (The University of Sydney)

  • Martin A. Green

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Su-Huai Wei

    (Eastern Institute of Technology)

  • Kaiwen Sun

    (University of New South Wales)

  • Xiaojing Hao

    (University of New South Wales)

Abstract

Wide-bandgap kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 offers an economically viable, sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly material for both single-junction and tandem photovoltaic applications. Nevertheless, since 2018 the record efficiency of such solar cells has stagnated at 11%, largely due to carriers recombining before they are collected. Here we demonstrate enhanced carrier collection in devices annealed in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere. We find that hydrogen is incorporated mainly in n-type layers and on the absorber surface. Furthermore, we show that the hydrogen treatment triggers the out-diffusion of oxygen and sodium from the absorber bulk to the surface, favourably diminishing the acceptor concentration at the surface and increasing the p-type doping in the bulk. Consequently, Fermi-level pinning is relieved and carrier transport in the absorber is facilitated. We achieve a certified efficiency of 11.4% in Cd-free devices. Although hydrogenation already plays a major role in silicon photovoltaics, our findings can further advance its application in emerging photovoltaic technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ao Wang & Jialin Cong & Shujie Zhou & Jialiang Huang & Jingwen Cao & Xin Cui & Xiaojie Yuan & Yin Yao & Zhou Xu & Guojun He & Jefferson Zhe Liu & Julie M. Cairney & Yi-sheng Chen & Martin A. Green & S, 2025. "Hydrogen-enhanced carrier collection enabling wide-bandgap Cd-free Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells with 11.4% certified efficiency," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 10(2), pages 255-265, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:10:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1038_s41560-024-01694-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-024-01694-5
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