Electrodeposition of kesterite thin films for photovoltaic applications: Quo vadis?

This paper aims at providing an updated overview of the main achievements in the development of solar cells based on Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS(Se)) kesterite absorbers obtained by electrodeposition. Although undoubtedly challenging, the ultimate goal is to learn from the past works and build a solid fram...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physica status solidi. A, Applications and materials science Applications and materials science, 2015-01, Vol.212 (1), p.88-102
Main Authors: Colombara, D., Crossay, A., Vauche, L., Jaime, S., Arasimowicz, M., Grand, P.-P., Dale, P. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coatings
Construction
Cu2ZnSn(S
Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4
Devices
Efficiency
electrochemical deposition
Electrodeposition
electroplating
Expenditures
kesterites
Materials science
Photovoltaic cells
Se)4
Solar cells
Solar energy
Thin films
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Summary:This paper aims at providing an updated overview of the main achievements in the development of solar cells based on Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS(Se)) kesterite absorbers obtained by electrodeposition. Although undoubtedly challenging, the ultimate goal is to learn from the past works and build a solid framework for future advances in this field. What is the reason for the lower efficiency of electrodeposited CZTS(Se)‐based devices (8%) compared to the world record efficiency achieved with a hydrazine‐based solution approach (12.6%)? Can this gap be filled, or there are intrinsic limitations for this achievement? The review is divided into the three main electrodeposition approaches: sequential elemental layer, alloy co‐deposition, and chalcogenide co‐deposition. It is argued that considerable technical challenges must be overcome for the latter approach to be successfully applied. Plot of the record power conversion efficiencies of kesterite sulfide‐based solar cells obtained by electrodeposition (hollow dots), and world record efficiency of CZTS(Se)‐based devices (full dots). The dashed line shows the 15% minimum efficiency threshold considered relevant for potential industrial application. Kesterite solar cells have the promise to bring photovoltaics to the terawatt electricity scale in the 21st century. Electrodeposition (ED) is a mature industrial technology capable of fabricating large area metallic coatings with high throughput, low capital expenditure and low material usage. This work reviews the current ED‐kesterite state‐of‐the‐art by analysing three ED strategies, their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, with respect to their potential to achieve the highest possible solar cell efficiencies and knowledge transfer to industry.
ISSN:1862-6300
1862-6319
DOI:10.1002/pssa.201431364