Exploring the development of CZGSe-based solar cells for advanced photovoltaic tandem applications

This work aims to explore and identify the most relevant parameters for the development of Cu2ZnGeSe4 (CZGSe)-based solar cells for advanced photovoltaic tandem applications. The main purpose of the study is the synthesis of the CZGSe absorber layers under unconventional annealing conditions. Firstl...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor: Maggi, Edoardo
Tipo de recurso: tesis de maestría
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/373050
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/373050
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Photovoltaic power generation
Solar cells
Energia solar fotovoltaica
Cèl·lules solars
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies::Energia solar fotovoltaica
Descripción
Sumario:This work aims to explore and identify the most relevant parameters for the development of Cu2ZnGeSe4 (CZGSe)-based solar cells for advanced photovoltaic tandem applications. The main purpose of the study is the synthesis of the CZGSe absorber layers under unconventional annealing conditions. Firstly, the influence of Petri dishes as a substitute for graphite boxes during the reactive annealing is tested, denoting that a lower heating ramp (10 °C /min) is required to not degrade the sample. Secondly, the introduction of high pressure has been proven to avoid losses of volatile species even at high temperatures, without changing the structure of the absorbers. In particular, the optimal absorber composition and morphology have been achieved at 580 °C at a dwelling static pressure of ∼4 bar. A break-off experiment is additionally performed, identifying the most suitable dwelling time to be in the range of 15 min to 60 min. An exploration of post-synthesis processing to the power conversion efficiency of solar cell devices is finally presented. A complete detachment in the Mo/CZGSe interface has been encountered in all the tested devices. The voids formations are con- sidered to be due to the fast Cu out-diffusion during the thermal annealing. The phenomenon may have been encouraged by the order and/or the reduced thickness (∼1 μm) of the CZG stack. From an economic point of view, the project cost estimation is ∼ 23.500€. The result is based on the work hours and on the estimation of the use of resources costs.