To Spin or Not to Spin?-Is Spin-Coating the Ideal Technique for Pre-Deposition of Sodium Fluoride for CIGS Rear Surface Passivated Ultrathin Solar Cells?

Herein, using the spin-coating process as a sodium pre-deposition technique for Cu(In,Ga)Se-2, ultrathin film solar cells is discussed. Throughout this study, several challenges are detected to overcome, such as unevenly deposited salt layers and unplanned clusters (even islands) of sodium salts due to accumulation. The solar cell performances with the optimal and nonoptimal amounts of sodium are shared to assess the effect of varying sodium amounts on performance. The hyperspectral photoluminescence (PL) mapping and imaging and reflection measurements are also used to emphasize the importance of homogeneity of the sodium layer.

Automated summary

This study discusses the use of the spin-coating process as a sodium pre-deposition technique for Cu(In,Ga)Se-2 ultrathin film solar cells. The challenges of unevenly deposited salt layers and unplanned clusters of sodium salts are detected and addressed. The performance of solar cells with different amounts of sodium is assessed, and the importance of homogeneity of the sodium layer is emphasized through hyperspectral photoluminescence mapping and reflection measurements.