Title: Technique for achieving large-grain Ag.sub.2ZnSn(S,Se).sub.4thin films

Abstract

Techniques for increasing grain size in AZTSSe absorber materials are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming an absorber film on a substrate includes: contacting the substrate with an Ag source, a Zn source, a Sn source, and an S source and/or an Se source under conditions sufficient to form the absorber film on the substrate having a target composition of: Ag.sub.XZn.sub.YSn(S,Se).sub.Z, wherein 1.7<2.2, 0.9<1.3, and 3.5<4.5, and including an amount of the Ag source that is from about 10% to about 30% greater than is needed to achieve the target composition; annealing the absorber film; and removing excess Ag from the absorber film. A solar cell and method for fabrication thereof are also provided.

Inventors:

Gershon, Talia S.; Gordon, Michael S.; Lee, Yun Seog

Issue Date:

2018-09-18

Research Org.:

International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, NY (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1482822

Patent Number(s):

10079321

Application Number:

15/198,795

Assignee:

International Business Machines Corporation (Armonk, NY)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

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C - CHEMISTRY C01 - INORGANIC CHEMISTRY C01B - NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS

C01B19/007 - {Tellurides or selenides of metals

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01L - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES

H01L31/02008 - {for solar cells or solar cell modules}
H01L31/022475 - {composed of indium tin oxide [ITO]}
H01L31/022483 - {composed of zinc oxide [ZnO]}
H01L31/0326 - {comprising AIBIICIVDVI kesterite compounds, e.g. Cu2ZnSnSe4, Cu2ZnSnS4}
H01L31/0327 - {characterised by the doping material}
H01L31/0392 - including thin films deposited on metallic or insulating substrates {
H01L31/072 - the potential barriers being only of the PN heterojunction type
H01L31/18 - Processes or apparatus peculiar to the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
H01L31/1864 - {Annealing}

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

Y02E10/50 - Photovoltaic [PV] energy

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02P - CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS

Y02P70/50 - Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

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DOE Contract Number:  

EE0006334

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2016 Jun 30

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE