This study explored the performances of CZTS-based thin-film solar cell with three novel buffer layer materials ZnS, CdS, and CdZnS, as well as with variation in thickness of buffer and absorber-layer, doping concentr...This study explored the performances of CZTS-based thin-film solar cell with three novel buffer layer materials ZnS, CdS, and CdZnS, as well as with variation in thickness of buffer and absorber-layer, doping concentrations of absorber-layer material and operating temperature. Our aims focused to identify the most optimal thin-film solar cell structure that offers high efficiency and lower toxicity which are desirable for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources globally. SCAPS-1D, widely used software for modeling and simulating solar cells, has been used and solar cell fundamental performance parameters such as open-circuited voltage (), short-circuited current density (), fill-factor() and efficiency() have been optimized in this study. Based on our simulation results, it was found that CZTS solar cell with Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S as buffer-layer offers the most optimal combination of high efficiency and lower toxicity in comparison to other structure investigated in our study. Although the efficiency of Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS are comparable, Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S is preferable to use as buffer-layer for its non-toxic property. In addition, evaluation of performance as a function of buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS showed that optimum buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S was in the range from 50 to 150nm while ZnS offered only 50 – 75 nm. Furthermore, the temperature dependence performance parameters evaluation revealed that it is better to operate solar cell at temperature 290K for stable operation with optimum performances. This study would provide valuable insights into design and optimization of nanotechnology-based solar energy technology for minimizing global energy crisis and developing eco-friendly energy sources sustainable and simultaneously.展开更多
Co-ZnO films were prepared on oxidised silicon by magnetron sputtering at room temperature both with and without a ZnO buffer-layer. The Co-ZnO films consisted of Co particles dispersed in a semiconductor matrix. The ...Co-ZnO films were prepared on oxidised silicon by magnetron sputtering at room temperature both with and without a ZnO buffer-layer. The Co-ZnO films consisted of Co particles dispersed in a semiconductor matrix. The combination of a Co-ZnO layer and a ZnO buffer-layer has a higher magnetoresistance than the Co-ZnO layer alone on an insulating Si substrate. The causes of this effect were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, depth profiling using Auger electron spectroscopy and electrical resistance as well as measurements of the change in the saturation magnetisation, the field cooled- and zero field cooled-magnetisation. This work has shown clearly what criteria are needed to optimise the magnetoresistance and how these conditions may be met by adding a buffer-layer thus making granular films based on ZnO more suitable for applications as field sensors.展开更多
文摘This study explored the performances of CZTS-based thin-film solar cell with three novel buffer layer materials ZnS, CdS, and CdZnS, as well as with variation in thickness of buffer and absorber-layer, doping concentrations of absorber-layer material and operating temperature. Our aims focused to identify the most optimal thin-film solar cell structure that offers high efficiency and lower toxicity which are desirable for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources globally. SCAPS-1D, widely used software for modeling and simulating solar cells, has been used and solar cell fundamental performance parameters such as open-circuited voltage (), short-circuited current density (), fill-factor() and efficiency() have been optimized in this study. Based on our simulation results, it was found that CZTS solar cell with Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S as buffer-layer offers the most optimal combination of high efficiency and lower toxicity in comparison to other structure investigated in our study. Although the efficiency of Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS are comparable, Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S is preferable to use as buffer-layer for its non-toxic property. In addition, evaluation of performance as a function of buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS showed that optimum buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S was in the range from 50 to 150nm while ZnS offered only 50 – 75 nm. Furthermore, the temperature dependence performance parameters evaluation revealed that it is better to operate solar cell at temperature 290K for stable operation with optimum performances. This study would provide valuable insights into design and optimization of nanotechnology-based solar energy technology for minimizing global energy crisis and developing eco-friendly energy sources sustainable and simultaneously.
文摘Co-ZnO films were prepared on oxidised silicon by magnetron sputtering at room temperature both with and without a ZnO buffer-layer. The Co-ZnO films consisted of Co particles dispersed in a semiconductor matrix. The combination of a Co-ZnO layer and a ZnO buffer-layer has a higher magnetoresistance than the Co-ZnO layer alone on an insulating Si substrate. The causes of this effect were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, depth profiling using Auger electron spectroscopy and electrical resistance as well as measurements of the change in the saturation magnetisation, the field cooled- and zero field cooled-magnetisation. This work has shown clearly what criteria are needed to optimise the magnetoresistance and how these conditions may be met by adding a buffer-layer thus making granular films based on ZnO more suitable for applications as field sensors.
