Optimization of electronic structure in eco-friendly and low-cost CTS-system thin film solar cell

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K20355
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: 0202:Condensed matter physics, plasma science, nuclear engineering, earth resources engineering, energy engineering, and related fields
• Research Institution: Nagaoka University of Technology
• Principal Investigator: Kanai Ayaka 長岡技術科学大学, 工学研究科, 助教 (90960849)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-08-31 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 硫化物 / 太陽電池 / 薄膜 / 半導体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In order to realize next-generation high-efficiency solar cells with graded conduction band structures, Cu2Sn1-xGexS3 (CTGS), which is composed of inexpensive and non-toxic elements, has been investigated for the various properties of the thin films and solar cells with different [Ge]/([Ge]+[Sn]) ratios (group IV ratios). The shallow acceptor levels and mobility of CTGS thin films can be maintained even when the group IV ratio is changed in the range of 0.0-0.2 by low-temperature photoluminescence and room-temperature Hall effect measurements. Based on the above, useful insights are obtained into the defect characteristics and electrical properties required for sulfide-related solar cells with graded conduction band structures are obtained.

Free Research Field

半導体

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

現在、太陽光や風力、地熱などを用いて発電する地球にやさしい再生可能エネルギーが次世代のクリーンエネルギーとして非常に注目されており、研究が推進されている。特にその中でも太陽光発電は、無尽蔵な太陽光を用いる発電方法であり次世代を担う電力インフラとして期待されている。本研究で得られた成果は安価で無毒な元素のみから構成されている伝導帯エネルギー傾斜構造硫化物系太陽電池の実現に向けた有用な知見を含んでおり、将来における変換効率向上への突破口となるデバイス構造の指針を示す重要な情報として役立つことが期待される。