loading page

On the role of sodium and copper off-stoichiometry in Cu(In,Ga)S 2 for photovoltaic applications: Insights from the Investigation of more than 500 samples
  • +6
  • Léo Choubrac,
  • Eugene Bertin,
  • Fabien Pineau,
  • Ludovic ARZEL,
  • Thomas LEPETIT,
  • Lionel Assmann,
  • Thamer Aloui,
  • Sylvie Harel,
  • Nicolas Barreau
Léo Choubrac
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel

Corresponding Author:leo.choubrac@gmail.com

Author Profile
Eugene Bertin
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Fabien Pineau
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Ludovic ARZEL
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Thomas LEPETIT
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Lionel Assmann
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Thamer Aloui
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Sylvie Harel
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile
Nicolas Barreau
Institut des Materiaux Jean Rouxel
Author Profile

Abstract

The present article discusses the investigation of CuIn 1-xGa xS 2 (CIGS) thin films for photovoltaic applications. For decades, a Cu-rich composition has been used to create solar cells with efficiencies of up to 13.5%; however, interest in chalcopyrite sulfide has recently been revived due to its high and adjustable bandgap, making it a serious candidate as a top cell in tandem configurations. Although chalcopyrite selenides share many properties with CIGS thin films, crucial differences have been reported. To further understand these materials, we studied more than 500 samples of absorbers and resulting solar cells. First, we found that the compositional window for obtaining single-phase CIGS thin films with a 3-stage co-evaporation process is very narrow. Second, we reported that a combination of low copper content and sodium addition during growth is required to maximize the Photoluminescence intensity ( i.e. to minimize the absorber-related open-circuit voltage losses). Finally, we showed that solar cell performance and stability depend not only on absorber quality but also on phenomena at interfaces (absorber/buffer and grain boundaries). Altogether, we formulate growth recommendations for the manufacture of stable CIGS/CdS solar cells with state-of-the-art efficiency.
23 Dec 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
23 Dec 2022Submitted to Progress in Photovoltaics
23 Dec 2022Submission Checks Completed
23 Dec 2022Assigned to Editor
12 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Mar 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
17 Mar 20231st Revision Received
17 Mar 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Mar 2023Submission Checks Completed
17 Mar 2023Assigned to Editor
10 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
16 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Accept