An Approach to Deposit Cd-Free Buffer Layer for Earth Abundant CZTS Solar Cells

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Solar PV

Cu2ZnSnS­4­­­ (CZTS) absorber materials point the way to the next generation of thin film solar cells for both ecologically and economically sustainable photovoltaics. However current n-type emitters or buffer layers contain cadmium sulfide (CdS) a probable human carcinogen shown to be toxic. UCLA scientists have developed a Cd-free buffer layer on CZTS which previously has been challenging due to a substantial conduction band offset between CZTS and CdS substitutes. To date the research team has developed Cd-free photovoltaic devices that have achieved conversion efficiencies over 3.5%.

Benefits

Cd-free photovoltaic devices that have achieved conversion efficiencies over 3.5%.

Further information

https://www3.wipo.int/wipogreen-database/SearchDetailPage.htm?query=&ty…

Content author

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Content organisation
World Intellectual Property Organization
Date of release