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Title: AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2} thin films for solar cell applications

Journal Article · · Materials Research Bulletin
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  1. Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica, San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León 66450, México (Mexico)

Highlights: ► AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2} thin films were formed by heating Na{sub 2}SeSO{sub 3} dipped Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Ag layers. ► S/Se ratio was varied by changing the dipping time in Na{sub 2}SeSO{sub 3} solution. ► Characterized the films using XRD, XPS, SEM, Optical and electrical measurements. ► Band gap engineering of 1−1.1 eV for x = 0.51 and 0.52 respectively. ► PV Glass/FTO/CdS/AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2}/C were prepared showing V{sub oc} = 410 mV, J{sub sc} = 5.7 mA/cm{sup 2}. - Abstract: Silver antimony sulfoselenide (AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2}) thin films were prepared by heating glass/Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3}/Ag layers after selenization using sodium selenosulphate solution. First, Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3} thin films were deposited on glass substrates from a chemical bath containing SbCl{sub 3} and Na{sub 2}S{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Then Ag thin films were thermally evaporated onto glass/Sb{sub 2}S{sub 3}, followed by selenization by dipping in an acidic solution of Na{sub 2}SeSO{sub 3}. The duration of selenium dipping was varied as 30 min and 2 h. The heating condition was at 350 °C for 1 h in vacuum. Analysis of X-ray diffraction pattern of the thin films formed after heating showed the formation of AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2}. Morphology and elemental analysis were done by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray detection. Depth profile of composition of the thin films was performed by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The spectral study showed the presence of Ag, Sb, S, and Se, and the corresponding binding energy analysis confirmed the formation of AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2}. Photovoltaic structures (PV) were prepared using AgSb(S{sub x}Se{sub 1−x}){sub 2} thin films as absorber and CdS thin films as window layers on FTO coated glass substrates. The PV structures were heated at 60–80 °C in air for 1 h to improve ohmic contact. Analysis of J–V characteristics of the PV structures showed V{sub oc} from 230 to 490 mV and J{sub sc} 0.28 to 5.70 mA/cm{sup 2}, under illumination of AM1.5 radiation using a solar simulator.

OSTI ID:
22290438
Journal Information:
Materials Research Bulletin, Vol. 48, Issue 5; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0025-5408
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English