Efficient All-Inorganic Sb2S3 Solar Cells with Matched Energy Levels Using Sb2Se3 as Hole Transport Layers

Sb2S3 has emerged as a promising light-absorbing material due to its nontoxicity, low cost, high stability, and absorption coefficient. However, the absorption spectrum ranges and back-contact barrier between Sb2S3 and Au strongly limit the device performance. p-type Sb2Se3 has a similar lattice structure and properties as Sb2S3, obtaining absorption expansion and ohmic back contact. Herein, efficient all-inorganic planar Sb2S3 solar cells with the addition of Sb2Se3 layers are fabricated. The functions of Sb2Se3 as cooperative absorber (400 nm) and hole transport layers (HTL, 80 nm) are further explored. Systematic characterizations indicate that the junction quality and depletion widths of the device with the addition of Sb2Se3 are improved by forming a p-i-n structure. As a result, the all-inorganic Sb2S3 solar cell with a Sb2Se3 HTL greatly increases the power conversion efficiency from 2.7% to 5.8% and the fill factor from 40% to 55.4%. The additional Sb2Se3/Au interface with matched energy-level alignments reduces the back-contact barrier and facilitates hole transport and collection. The present design and methods promote the development of Sb2S3 solar cells.

Automated summary

By adding Sb2Se3 layers in Sb2S3 solar cells, the power conversion efficiency and fill factor of the cells can be greatly increased, promoting the development of Sb2S3 solar cells.