Kesterite thin films for photovoltaics: a review

In the years to come, electricity production is bound to increase, and Cu2ZnSn(S, Se) 4 (CZTS) compounds, due to their suitability to thin-film solar cells, could be a means to fulfill the demand. After explaining the reasons of the sudden interest of the CIGS scientific community for CZTS solar cells, this paper reviews recent papers published on the subject of kesterites-based solar cells. After a description of crystallographic and optoelectronic properties, including CZTS crystalline structure, defect formation and metal composition, this review paper focuses on CZTS synthesis processes and device properties. Synthesis strategies, including one-or two-step processes, deposition temperature, binary formation control via atmosphere control and their effect on device properties are discussed.