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A direct thin-film path towards low-cost large-area III-V photovoltaics.

ABSTRACT: III-V photovoltaics (PVs) have demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiencies for both single- and multi-junction cells. However, expensive epitaxial growth substrates, low precursor utilization rates, long growth times, and large equipment investments restrict applications to concentrated and space photovoltaics (PVs). Here, we demonstrate the first vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of high-quality III-V thin-films on metal foils as a promising platform for large-area terrestrial PVs overcoming the above obstacles. We demonstrate 1-3??m thick InP thin-films on Mo foils with ultra-large grain size up to 100??m, which is ~100 times larger than those obtained by conventional growth processes. The films exhibit electron mobilities as high as 500?cm²/V-s and minority carrier lifetimes as long as 2.5?ns. Furthermore, under 1-sun equivalent illumination, photoluminescence efficiency measurements indicate that an open circuit voltage of up to 930?mV can be achieved, only 40?mV lower than measured on a single crystal reference wafer.

SUBMITTER: Kapadia R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3721076 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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A direct thin-film path towards low-cost large-area III-V photovoltaics.

Kapadia Rehan R Yu Zhibin Z Wang Hsin-Hua H HH Zheng Maxwell M Battaglia Corsin C Hettick Mark M Kiriya Daisuke D Takei Kuniharu K Lobaccaro Peter P Beeman Jeffrey W JW Ager Joel W JW Maboudian Roya R Chrzan Daryl C DC Javey Ali A

Scientific reports 20130101

III-V photovoltaics (PVs) have demonstrated the highest power conversion efficiencies for both single- and multi-junction cells. However, expensive epitaxial growth substrates, low precursor utilization rates, long growth times, and large equipment investments restrict applications to concentrated and space photovoltaics (PVs). Here, we demonstrate the first vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of high-quality III-V thin-films on metal foils as a promising platform for large-area terrestrial PVs over ...[more]

PMID: 23881474

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Project description:This manuscript investigates the efficient synthesis of copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticles for CZTS thin film solar cell applications with a primary focus on environmental sustainability. Underpinning the investigation is an initial life-cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. This LCA analysis is conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of different synthesis volumes, providing crucial insights into the sustainability of the synthesis process by considering the flows of material and energy associated with the process. Life-cycle assessment results demonstrate that significant reductions to the environmental impact can be made by increasing the synthesis volume of CZTS nanoparticle ink. Using a 5-fold increase in volume can reduce all 11 investigated environmental impacts by up to 35.6%, six of these impacts demonstrating reductions >10% and the amount of global warming potential is reduced by 21.4%. Motivated by the LCA results, COMSOL simulations are employed to understand the fluid flow patterns in large-scale fabrication. Various sizes and speeds of stirrer bars are investigated in these simulations, and it is determined that a 50 mm stir bar at 200 rpm represents the optimal configuration for the synthesis process in a 500 mL flask. Subsequently, large-batch CZTS nanoparticle inks are synthesized using these parameters and compared to small-batch samples. The light absorbers are characterized using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, confirming favorable properties with close-to-ideal elemental ratios in large-batch synthesis. Finally, solar cell devices fabricated utilizing CZTSSe absorbers from the large volume synthesis process demonstrate comparable performance to those fabricated using small-batch synthesis, with uniform power conversion efficiencies of around 5% across the substrate. This study highlights the potential of large-volume CZTS nanoparticle synthesis for efficient and environmentally friendly CZTS solar cell fabrication, contributing to the advancement of sustainable renewable energy technologies.

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A direct thin-film path towards low-cost large-area III-V photovoltaics.

Publications

A direct thin-film path towards low-cost large-area III-V photovoltaics.

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