A low cost and nontoxic absorber for intermediate band solar cell based on P-doped Cu2SiS3: A first-principles study

The exploration on the absorber with low cost and nontoxic elements to realize highly efficient solar cells is still under way. Here, P-doped Cu2SiS3 as a cheap and poisonless compound is proposed as a promising absorber for intermediate band solar cell from our first-principles study. After P substituting at Si site in Cu2SiS3, a partially-filled intermediate band is introduced in the forbidden band of Cu2SiS3. Consequently, thanks to the intermediate band served as a stepping stone for the light absorption, the three-photon absorption is realized and then the corresponding absorption coefficient of P-doped Cu2SiS3 can cover the solar light spectrum efficiently.

Automated summary

By doping P in Cu2SiS3, a partially-filled intermediate band is introduced, allowing for the realization of three-photon absorption and increasing the absorption coefficient of Cu2SiS3, enhancing its absorption efficiency in the solar spectrum.