ZnO compact layers used in third-generation photovoltaic devices: a review

ZnO is a well-known semitransparent semiconductor with wide applicability in semiconducting devices such as solar cells, LEDs, MOSFETs, gas sensor devices, or biosensors. Solar cells are promising devices to contribute in the global goals of green energy economies, but it is still necessary to join forces in order to improve the relation efficiency/cost and to decrease the environmental impact of photovoltaic devices. Third-generation (also known as emerging) photovoltaic technologies are alternatives to the silicon, CdTe and CIGS conventional solar cells which are favorable for high scale or low power clean and low-cost energy production. One of the most used materials in the emerging photovoltaic technologies is the ZnO, which can be used in several emerging devices and which has been widely studied by using different techniques. Here we made a review of the recent contributions related to the use of ZnO layers on emerging solar cells, the synthesis methods used and the pros and cons of those, the role of ZnO films in the different emerging technologies, and the relation between optical and electrical properties of ZnO with the main experimental parameters, as well as the main challenges and perspectives linked to this material in the field of the third-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Automated summary

ZnO is a widely used semitransparent semiconductor in various semiconductor devices such as solar cells, contributing to improving efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. It is a commonly used material in emerging photovoltaic technologies, playing a significant role in different emerging devices, but also facing challenges in terms of efficiency and cost.