Cu2-xZn1+ySnS4 Thin Films for Photovoltaics: Structural, Optical and Electrical Transport Studies
ABSTRACT :
Energy harvesting through solar photovoltaics is on the leading edge among other renewable energy sources. Silicon-based solar cells presently share approximately 85% of the total photovoltaic market but expensive. Hence there is a need to reduce material cost to make highly efficient solar cells for household purposes. Chalcogenide material, Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide (CZTS) is emerging as a possible absorber material for solar cells by owing direct optimal bandgap (1 - 1.5 eV), high absorption coefficient (>104 cm-1) and less expensive in comparison to Silicon. However, the best efficiency (12.6%) so far for kesterite CZTS solar cells is still low due to the presence of defects and lack of understanding of the physical properties of the material. It is essential to investigate about the optical properties and electrical transport mechanism to improve the efficiency of the solar cells. In this talk, I will present the proposed work and preliminary work done on CZTS thin films.