Development of n-type Zn(O, S) buffer layer deposited by open-air CVD method for Cu(In, Ga)Se2 solar cells

Abstract A Zn(O, S) thin-film is deposited utilizing an open-air CVD method by evaporating zinc-diethyldithiocarbamate, which is a non-vacuum and dry process. In an X-ray diffraction measurement, it is revealed that the films have a wurtzite structure and an [O]/([O] + [S]) ratio of 10%. A bandgap energy of 3.1 eV is estimated from the transmittance and reflectance spectra. By applying the Zn(O, S) as an n-type buffer layer, Cu(In, Ga)Se 2 solar cells are fabricated. In the current density–voltage characteristics, distortion is observed at the bias voltages above the open-circuit voltage. It is implied that a large conduction band offset exists at a Zn(O, S)/CIGS interface. A quantum efficiency spectrum in the wavelength region of 380–512 nm is improved compared to a traditional CdS buffer layer. Finally, a 9.2%-efficient CIGS solar cell is demonstrated utilizing the Zn(O, S) buffer layer through an all-dry process.