Numerical Study and Optimization of CZTS-Based Thin-Film Solar Cell Structure with Different Novel Buffer-Layer Materials Using SCAPS-1D Software — Oak Academic Publishing
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Numerical Study and Optimization of CZTS-Based Thin-Film Solar Cell Structure with Different Novel Buffer-Layer Materials Using SCAPS-1D Software
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
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Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
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Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
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Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
,
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
,
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
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Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
1 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
2 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
3 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
4 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
5 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
6 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
7 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur, Bangladesh
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 (<img src="https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId13.svg?20240417020405" >), short-circuited current density (<img src="https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId15.svg?20240417020405" >), fill-factor(<img src="https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId17.svg?20240417020405" >) and efficiency(<img src="https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId19.svg?20240417020405" >) 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 290<i>K</i> 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.
KeywordsThin-Film Solar CellCZTSBuffer-LayerRenewable EnergyGreen-House GasesEfficiency
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