Developments on Hybrid Solar Cells Based on Solution-Processed Sb-based Light Absorbers

Abstract

Sb-related chalcogenides, such as Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and Sb2(S,Se)3, are of particular interest as light absorbers for solar cells because of their excellent optical properties including easily tunable band-gaps by adjustable composition, high molar extinction coefficients, and large intrinsic dipole moments. Recently, the high efficiency of ~ 7.5 % in the Sb2S3-sensitized devices was achieved via a thioacetamide-assisted post-surface-treatment [1]. In addition, different methods have been suggested for improving device performance as well as reproducibility [1–5]. However, the photovoltaic performances is still restricted by strong charge recombination (low open circuit voltage VOC) and insufficient light-harvesting (low short circuit current density JSC). In this talk, I will introduce recent developments in several types of solar cells based on Sb-Chs, i.e. Sb2S3, Sb2Se3, and graded Sb2(S,Se)3. The materials are fabricated by different solutions methods, such as chemical bath deposition, single source precursor method, complex solution method, and combined method. The material properties and their device performances are highly dependent on the methods used. I will show the correlation of fabrication methods and materials with photovoltaic performances. Finally, I will briefly introduce new light absorbers of Sb chalcohalides and their application to solar cells [6]. This talk may give some clues for further efficiency improvements and enlightens us to find proper methods and potential absorbers.