Large‐grained CuInSe 2 absorber layers are synthesized using a non‐vacuum process based on nanoparticle ink precursors and selenization by rapid thermal processing (RTP). The use of hydroxide‐based particles in organic solvents allows for the conversion with elemental selenium without the need to employ explosive and/or toxic H 2 or H 2 Se gasses. Lateral grain sizes up to 4 µm are obtained through a novel RTP route, overcoming the inherently high layer porosity for previous nanoparticle processes. Morphological and elemental characterization at interrupted selenization steps suggests that liquid selenium can play a beneficial role in promoting layer densification and grain growth. Long carrier collection lengths in CuInSe 2 enable notable conversion efficiencies, despite the low minority carrier lifetimes of below 1 ns. Record efficiencies up to 8.73% highlight the potential of low‐cost, non‐vacuum deposition of chalcopyrite absorber layers with safe and simple precursors and processing routes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Large‐grained CuInSe 2 absorber layers are synthesized using a non‐vacuum process based on nanoparticle ink precursors and selenization by rapid thermal processing, bypassing the need for explosive and/or toxic hydrazine solvent or H 2 /H 2 Se gasses. A liquid‐selenium‐assisted process enabled solar cell efficiencies of up to 8.73%, overcoming the inherently high layer porosity for previous nanoparticle processes.


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    Title :

    Liquid‐selenium‐enhanced grain growth of nanoparticle precursor layers for CuInSe2 solar cell absorbers



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2015




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    BKL:    53.36 Energiedirektumwandler, elektrische Energiespeicher