Impact of graded CIGS absorber layer on Cd-free CIGS thin-film solar cell performance: numerical optimization

Abstract This paper investigates replacing the CdS buffer layer with (Zn, Mg)O and Zn(S, O) double buffer layers. To increase the efficiency of the structure, our strategy involves numerically studying and comparing three types of CIGS bandgap absorber layers:flat band, double gradient bandgap (DG) with a high bandgap near the Mo contact (back side), a low bandgap near the buffer layer (front side), and a minimum bandgap between them, and simple gradient bandgap with a high bandgap near the Mo contact (back side) and a low bandgap near the buffer layer (front side). Each type features different linear graded profiles in the thickness direction to determine the optimal bandgap gradient of the CIGS layer. The performance of the three types is numerically analyzed using the solar cell capacitance simulator-1D simulator. Simulation enables us to test multiple structural combinations efficiently, saving both time and money, while providing results that guide experimental research. The proposed device structure is composed of the following layers: ZnO:Al/ n -Zn 1− x Mg x O/ n -ZnS x O 1− x / p -Graded-CuIn 1− x Ga x Se 2 /Mo. To study the effects of linear bandgap gradient distribution of Ga/ ( Ga + In ) ratio according to the thickness direction on CIGS solar cell performance, the electrical properties of the proposed CIGS model were initially matched with experimental data to confirm the structure’s accuracy. It was found that the DG, with maxima of 1.44 eV at the back side (near Mo contact), 1.238 eV at the front side (near n-type buffer layer interface), and a minimum of 1.154 eV at a position of 1.7 µ m from the back side, has a higher efficiency than the other structures with 26.22% (Voc = 0.8134 V, Jsc = 37.82 mA cm −2 , FF = 85.21%). Optimizing the bandgap gradient of the CIGS absorber layer helps improve the efficiency of CIGS solar cells.