Comparative study between CZTS and CZTSe thin layers for photovoltaic applications

A comparative study of the thin layer based on copper zinc tin sulphide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and that based on copper zinc tin selenide Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) was made in order to assess the structural, morphological, optical and electrical qualities. for better use in improving performance of CZTS, CZTSe or CZTSSe based solar cell. CZTS and CZTSe thin films prepared by the spray pyrolysis technique were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) which confirmed their kesterite structure in the tetragonal crystal phase. In addition, the analysis of the surfaces of the thin layers with the scanning electron microscope SEM, showed compact grains, well agglomerated and of appreciable sizes. UV-visible spectroscopy measured the quality of light absorption and located the bandgap energy values between 1.16 eV for CZTSe and 1.69 eV for CZTS i.e. in the range of potential absorbers for CZTS and CZTSe based thin film solar cells

The Use of Copper-Based Delafossite to Improve Hydrogen Production Performance: A Review

This review paper reports on the use of Delafossite as a layer between perovskite-based solar cells to improve hydrogen production efficiency and make the process easier. The investigation delves into the possible breakthroughs in sustainable energy generation by investigating the synergistic interplay between Delafossite and solar technology. This investigation covers copper-based Delafossite material’s properties, influence on cell performance, and function in the electrolysis process for hydrogen production. Some reports investigate the synthesis and characterizations of delafossite materials and try to improve their performance using photo electrochemistry. This work sheds light on the exciting prospects of Delafossite integration using experimental and analytical methodologies

Growth of copper indium diselenide ternary thin films (CuInSe2) for solar cells: Optimization of electrodeposition potential and pH parameters

Herein, copper indium diselenide ternary (CuInSe2) thin film has been deposited on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate by electrochemical deposition technique with different potential and pH solutions. CuInSe2 thin films were deposited by one-step electrodeposition before post-depot selenization at 450 °C for 30 min. The effect of potential and pH on the structural and optical properties of CuInSe thin film have been studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Visible spectrometer. According to the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, it was observed that all samples exhibit prominent reflections (112), (204/220), and (312/116) of tetragonal CuInSe2. The films electrodeposited at −0.8 V potential shows growth and peak values increasing in the (204/220) crystal direction within a pH range of 2.2, whereas the films electrodeposited at pH 2.6 tend to favor an increase in (112) peaks. We also noticed an improvement in surface morphology and adherent of CuInSe2 thin films electrodeposited at −0.8 V applied potential from the solution having pH 2.6. The band gaps of samples electrodeposited at −0.8V potentials from pH 2.6, 2.4, and 2.2 solutions were 1.15 eV, 1.25 eV, and 1.21 eV, respectively. As part of our investigation, we used a Solar Cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS) to perform our electrodeposited films. The most effective Power conversion efficiency (PCE) was obtained for thin films electrodeposited at −0.8 V within the solution having pH 2.4

Synthesis and characterization of kesterite Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 thin films with low-cost for efficient solar cells

In this study, we conducted an investigation on the Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) kësterite compound, which is considered an attractive material for its favorable absorption properties, making it a suitable semiconductor for photovoltaic applications. However, its market potential is limited by its low efficiency of 12.6%, primarily caused by the presence of secondary phases that act as recombination centers. Theoretically, the efficiency limit for CZTS ranges from 31% to 33%.To enhance the photovoltaic performance of CZTS, we employed a doping strategy by incorporating selenium (Se) into the Cu2ZnSn(SxSe1-x)4 film, where the sulfur-to-selenium ratio (S/Se) was optimized within the range of 0< x <1. The CZTS films were deposited onto FTO substrates using the spray pyrolysis technique, which is a simple and cost-effective method. The characterization of these films involved X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV–visible spectroscopy analysis. Additionally, the morphology and topography of the CZTSSe layers were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was also employed.The results obtained in this study indicate that CZTSSe films exhibit band gap values ranging from 1.54 eV to 1.68 eV and grain compactness, with larger agglomerated grains on the film surface when the S/Se ratio is approximately 0.5 or lower. Moreover, the resistivity measurements revealed significant variations when sulfur and selenium were combined, suggesting the influence of their composition on the electrical properties of the CZTS films

Comparative study between CZTS and CZTSe thin layers for photovoltaic applications

A comparative study of the thin layer based on copper zinc tin sulphide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and that based on copper zinc tin selenide Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) was made in order to assess the structural, morphological, optical and electrical qualities. for better use in improving performance of CZTS, CZTSe or CZTSSe based solar cell. CZTS and CZTSe thin films prepared by the spray pyrolysis technique were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) which confirmed their kesterite structure in the tetragonal crystal phase. In addition, the analysis of the surfaces of the thin layers with the scanning electron microscope SEM, showed compact grains, well agglomerated and of appreciable sizes. UV-visible spectroscopy measured the quality of light absorption and located the bandgap energy values between 1.16 eV for CZTSe and 1.69 eV for CZTS i.e. in the range of potential absorbers for CZTS and CZTSe based thin film solar cells

Effect of F-doping on structural, electrical, and optical properties of ZnO thin films for optoelectronic application

International audienceIn this work, Fluorine doped Zinc oxide (FZO) thin films were deposited by the sol-gel spin coating method. Zinc acetate dihydrate, ethanol and mono-ethanolamine were used as precursor, solvent and stabilizer, respectively. The atomic percentages of dopant in solution were [F/Zn]=1%,2%, 4% and 6%. The effect of F doping on the structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO films were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Four-Point probe technique and UV-visible spectrophotometery. The results from the X-ray diffraction show that the pure ZnO thin films have polycrystalline structure, hexagonal wurtzite type. All the films have a highly preferential c-axis orientation, and exhibited (002) plane as a preferential growth in all the dopant ratios. Grain sizes of the films were varied in range of 36.5 to 46.2 nm. The optical transmission is decreased with the increase of the dopant concentration. The band gap energy values were determined as 3.252 eV, 3.267 eV, 3.295 eV, 2.299 eV and 3.315 eV, respectively for undoped ZnO, 1, 2, 4 and 6% mole FZO thin films. A minimum resistivity of FZO (2.7210-3) was obtained for the film doped with 29% mol of F. These results make FZO thin films an attractive candidate for transparent and electric material applications. © 2016 IEEE

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Agricultural Residues (Cocoa Cortex, Sugarcane Bagasse and Oil Palm Fiber) for Power Generation in Boilers through Fuel Combustion

Abstract Among the renewable energy resources available is biomass from agricultural waste. Herein, we propose 3 agricultural waste products (cocoa cortex, oil palm fiber and sugarcane bagasse. The environmental and energy performance of agr icultural waste used as fuel to produce 1 kWh of electr icity each in Ivory Coast was studied using the Life Cycle Assessment method. LAM is a method of environmental evaluation. It evaluates the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle, the life cycle of each of these 3 agricultural wastes is made up of collection, transport to the electricity production site and combustion of these biomasses hi the boilers of the cogeneration units. The results are as follows: In terms of global wanning impacts, for these 3 waste products (cocoa cortex, oil palm fiber and sugarcane bagasse) respectively (0.12; 0.16 and 0.19) kg CO2 eq. / kWh. hi terms of impacts on the depletion of non-renewable resources for these 3 wastes (cocoa cortex, oil palm fiber and sugarcane bagasse) respectively (0.007; 0.010 and 0.012) MJ / kWh. hi terms of eutrophication-related impacts on global warming for these 3 wastes (cocoa cortex, oil palm fiber and sugarcane bagasse) respectively (0.38; 0.4 and 0.91) g PO43-/ kWh. According to the results of the 3 impacts taken into account hi tins LCA study, it is desirable to use these 3 agricultural wastes to produce electricity with very good energy and environmental performance, instead of fossil fuels (diesel, oil and coal). Finally, the objective of this research will be to provide credible information to decision-makers (governments, private and public companies, national and international organizations and the general public) in order to promote the installation of energy production units (heat and/or electricity) based on the combustion of these 3 agricultural residues hi rural and industrial areas

The Structural and Electrochemical Properties of CuCoO2 Crystalline Nanopowders and Thin Films: Conductivity Experimental Analysis and Insights from Density Functional Theory Calculations

A novel manufacturing process is presented for producing nanopowders and thin films of CuCoO2 (CCO) material. This process utilizes three cost-effective synthesis methods: hydrothermal, sol-gel, and solid-state reactions. The resulting delafossite CuCoO2 samples were deposited onto transparent substrates through spray pyrolysis, forming innovative thin films with a nanocrystal powder structure. Prior to the transformation into thin films, CuCoO2 powder was first produced using a low-cost approach. The precursors for both powders and thin films were deposited onto glass surfaces using a spray pyrolysis process, and their characteristics were examined through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, HR-TEM, UV-visible spectrophotometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses were conducted to determine the conductivity in the transversal direction of this groundbreaking material for solar cell applications. On the other hand, the sheet resistance of the samples was investigated using the four-probe method to obtain the sheet resistivity and then calculate the in-plane conductivity of the samples. We also investigated the aging characteristics of different precursors with varying durations. The functional properties of CuCoO2 samples were explored by studying chelating agent and precursor solution aging periods using Density Functional Theory calculations (DFT). A complementary Density Functional Theory study was also performed in order to evaluate the electronic structure of this compound. Resuming, this study thoroughly discusses the synthesis of delafossite powders and their conversion into thin films, which hold potential as hole transport layers in transparent optoelectronic devices

Delafossite as hole transport layer a new pathway for efficient perovskite-based solar sells: Insight from experimental, DFT and numerical analysis

Herein, we propose a successful technique to produce delafossite materials that can be applied as Hole Transport Layer (HTL) in inorganic lead halide Perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The delafossite CuMO2, where M=Al,Ga,Fe,Cr,Ni,Co,Cr types were investigated the M cation effect on the crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties. These properties were investigated using X-ray, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV visible spectroscopy. The XRD results confirmed their hexagonal and rhombohedral-like structure, where the SEM image of CuMO2 shows the good formation of delafossite layers. The optical band gap of CuMO2 varies from 2.2Â eV to 2.99Â eV, which is well in line with the literature. Similarly, we also perform the density functional theory (DFT) calculations for delafossite layers to find their electronic properties of them. Based on experimental and DFT calculations, we performed the numerical analysis in SCAPS-1D software on standard solar cell structure (Spiro-OMeTAD/MAPbI3/TiO2) and replaced Spiro-OMeTAD with all the deposited delafossite layers. Our numerical analysis found that HTL shows the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.90. The proposed work can give a good direction for manufacturing to improve the performance of Perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs)