Comparative Analysis of Earth–Abundant Kesterite Solar Cells: Performance Evaluation of CZTS/CZTSe/CZTSSe Absorber Layers Using SCAPS–1D    

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ABSTRACT

This study presents a comparative performance analysis of kesterite-based solar cells, utilizing absorber layers of CZTS, CZTSe, and CZTSSe. Kesterite materials, renowned for their earth abundance, non-toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, hold significant promise as p-type absorbers in photovoltaic applications. Their direct bandgap, adjustable between 1.0 eV and 1.5 eV by tailoring the selenium-to-sulfur ratio, makes them suitable for high-efficiency solar cells. The simulated device structure comprises ZnO:Al as the window layer, ZnSe as the buffer layer, CZTS/CZTSe/CZTSSe as the absorber layers, and graphene oxide (GO) as the hole transport layer (HTL). Through SCAPS-1D simulations, key parameters such as open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (PCE) are analyzed. The study further investigates the effects of absorber thickness, doping concentration of the absorber, electron transport layer (ETL), and HTL, as well as series and shunt resistances. Among the studied configurations, the CZTSSe-based solar cell demonstrates superior performance with a Voc of 0.9367 V, Jsc of 37.44 mA/cm², FF of 82.68%, and a PCE of 30.01%. This research highlights the pivotal role of material composition and device optimization in achieving high-efficiency solar cells. The findings provide valuable insights for the development of advanced kesterite-based photovoltaics, identifying CZTSSe as the most promising absorber material for next-generation solar cells due to its superior performance metrics and tunable properties.

Significance of the Study:

This study highlights the potential of kesterite materials (CZTS, CZTSe, and CZTSSe) as earth-abundant, cost-effective, and non-toxic alternatives for high-efficiency solar cells. The adjustable bandgap and tunable properties of CZTSSe make it a promising absorber material for next-generation photovoltaics, with significant implications for sustainable solar energy technologies.

Summary of the Study:

Through SCAPS-1D simulations, the performance of CZTS, CZTSe, and CZTSSe absorber layers was analyzed. CZTSSe demonstrated superior efficiency (30.01%) with optimized parameters, including absorber thickness (1500 nm) and doping concentrations. This research emphasizes material selection and device optimization for advanced kesterite-based solar cells.