For Libraries For Publication Open Access Downloads About Us Contact Us
Paper Titles
Study on Dielectric Properties of (Ba0.90Sr0.10) TiO3 Based Ceramic Capacitors for Energy Storage Applications
p.3
Carbon-Nickel Oxide Nanofiber based Supercapacitors for Improvement of Electrochemical Performance
p.13
Optimization of Laser Induced Graphene Electrodes for Water Splitting Applications
p.21
Advanced Materials for Solar Cell Technology and Energy Simulation
p.29
Comparative Study of Zinc Sulfide Thin Films Fabricated by Spin Coating and Rf Magnetron Sputtering as a Buffer Layer for 2nd Generation Photovoltaics
p.41
Increasing the Performance of Mixed Cation Mixed Halide Lead Based Perovskite Solar Cell by Passivating the Rare Interface: A SCAPS-1D Numerical Simulation Investigation
p.51
Corrosion Properties of Weld Metal in 304 Stainless Steel for Food Grade Using GTAW with Various Types of Backing Gas
p.61
Effect of Alloying Elements on Weld Characterization and Wear Resistance of Hardfacing of Structural Steel with Iron-Based Electrodes
p.69
Aspects Regarding FSW and SFSW Welding of Copper Cu99
p.75

Comparative Study of Zinc Sulfide Thin Films Fabricated by Spin Coating and Rf Magnetron Sputtering as a Buffer Layer for 2nd Generation Photovoltaics

Article Preview

Abstract:

To meet the requirements of second generation photovoltaics, spin coating and RF magnetron sputtering techniques have been utilized to fabricate zinc sulfide thin films for buffer layer optimization. During fabrication process, substrate temperatures for spin coating and RF magnetron sputtering processes are kept at room temperature and at 200 oC, respectively. Thin films are annealed at 500oC for 1 hour in an inert environment to acquire crystallinity and uniform surface morphology. XRD analysis reveals that thin films fabricated by spin coating and RF magnetron sputtering exhibit wurtzite and zinc blende crystal structures, respectively. SEM shows that the surface morphology of thin films fabricated by both techniques is uniform and homogeneous without voids and cracks. EDS results indicate that thin films fabricated via spin coating have equal stoichiometric ratio of zinc to sulfur (1:1). Whereas, an unequal stoichiometric ratio of zinc to sulfur is detected in RF magnetron sputtered thin films. According to optical studies, spin coated zinc sulfide thin films have 67% transmission with an energy band gap of 3.62 eV. While, RF magnetron sputtered thin films have 76% transmission with a wide energy band gap of 3.70 eV. Electrical properties depict that thin films fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering have higher carrier concentration, lower resistivity and higher conductivity than spin coated thin films. In comparison, RF magnetron sputtered zinc sulfide thin films exhibit best structural and optoelectronic properties for buffer layer in second generation solar cells.

You might also be interested in these eBooks
The 18th International Symposium on Advanced Materials (ISAM) View Preview
Materials for Energy Storage, Metal Welding and Additive Manufacturing View Preview

Info:

Periodical:

Key Engineering Materials (Volume 992)

Pages:

41-50

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-tn0QKF

Citation:

Cite this paper

Online since:

October 2024

Authors:

Saad Saud Ali Shah*, Noor Ali, Zeeshan Habib, Sana Taimoor, Nasir Mehboob, Fazal Ur Rehman

Keywords:

Buffer Layer, Photovoltaics, RF Magnetron Sputtering, Spin Coating, Zinc Sulfide

Export:

RIS, BibTeX

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Request Permissions

Permissions PLS:

Request Permissions

Сopyright:

© 2024 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

References

[1] P. Jackson, D. Hariskos, E. Lotter, S. Paetel, R. Wuerz, R. Menner, W. Wischmann, M. Powalla, 'New World Record Efficiency for Cu (In,Ga)Se2 Thin Film Solar Cells Beyond 20%",  Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications, 19(7), pp.894-897, 2011.

DOI: 10.1002/pip.1078

Google Scholar

[2] T. Nakada, M. Mizutani, Y. Hagiwara, A. Kunioka, "High Efficiency Cu (In,Ga)Se2Thin Film Solar Cells With a CBD–ZnS Buffer Layer", Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 67(1-4), pp.255-260, 2001.

DOI: 10.1016/s0927-0248(00)00289-0

Google Scholar

[3] M. Moradi, R.Teimouri, M.Saadat, M.Zahedifar, "Buffer Layer Replacement: A Method for Increasing the Conversion Efficiency of CIGS Thin Film Solar Cells", Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics, 136, pp.222-227, 2017.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2017.02.037

Google Scholar

[4] M.H. Doha, M.J. Alam, J. Rabeya, K.A.M.H. Siddiquee, S. Hussain, O. Islam, M. A. Gafur, S. Islam, N. Khatun, S. H. Sarkar, "Characterization of Chemically Deposited ZnS Thin Films on Bare and Conducting Glass", Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics, 126(24), pp.5194-5199, 2015.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2015.09.234

Google Scholar

[5] P. Chelvanathan, Y. Yusoff, F. Haque, M. Akhtaruzzaman, M. Alam, Z. Alothman, M. Rashid, K. Sopian, N. Amin, "Growth and Characterization of Rf-Sputtered ZnS Thin Film Deposited at Various Substrate Temperatures for Photovoltaic Application", Applied Surface Science, vol. 334, pp.138-144, 2015.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.08.155

Google Scholar

[6] A. Derbali, A. Attaf, H. Saidi, H. Benamra, M. Nouadji, M.S. Aida, N. Attaf, H. Ezzaouia, "Investigation of Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ZnS Thin Films Prepared by Ultrasonic Spray Technique for Photovoltaic Applications", Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics, 154, pp.286-293, 2018.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2017.10.034

Google Scholar

[7] I. D. Simandan, F. Sava, A. T. Buruiana, I. Burducea, N. Becherescu, C. Mihai, A, Velea, A. C. Galca, "The Effect of the Deposition Method on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnS Thin Films", Coatings, 11(9), p.1064, (2021)

DOI: 10.3390/coatings11091064

Google Scholar

[8] D. Moore, Z. L. Wang, "Growth of Anisotropic One-dimensional ZnS Nanostructures", Journal of Materials Chemistry, 16(40): pp.3898-3905, 2006.

DOI: 10.1039/b607902b

Google Scholar

[9] C.E. Housecroft, A. G. Sharpe, 'Inorganic Chemistry", 4th Edition, Chapter 6, Structures and Energetics of Metallic and Ionic Solids, pp.191-192, 2008.

Google Scholar

[10] S. Scott, H. Barnes, "Sphalerite-Wurtzite Equilibria and Stoichiometry," Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, 36, pp.1275-1295, 1972.

DOI: 10.1016/0016-7037(72)90049-x

Google Scholar

[11] R. Radhakrishnan, V. M. Pillai, "Characterization of Zinc Sulphide Thin Films Prepared Using RF Sputtering Technique", Materials Today: Proceedings, 33, pp.1371-1378, 2020.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.738

Google Scholar

[12] A. Le Donne, D. Cavalcoli, R. A. Mereu, M. Perani, L. Pagani, M. Acciarri, S. Binetti, "Study of the Physical Properties of ZnS Thin Films Deposited by RF Sputtering", Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 71, pp.7-11, 2017.

DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2017.06.042

Google Scholar

[13] M. Sathishkumar, M. Saroja, M. Venkatachalam, "Influence of (Cu, Al) Doping Concentration on the Structural, Optical and Antimicrobial Activity of ZnS Thin Films Prepared by Sol-Gel Dip Coating Techniques", Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics, 182, pp.774-785, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijleo.2019.02.014

Google Scholar

[14] D. U. Saenger, G. Jung, M. Menning, "Optical and Structural Properties of Doped ZnS Nanoparticles Produced by the Sol-Gel Method", Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 7559, pp.153-161, 2011.

Google Scholar

[15] K.W. Marszalek, "Large Area Deposition Sputtering Coaters", In Vacuum Technique & Technology; Monographs of Tele & Radio Research Institute: Warsaw, Poland, pp.44-54, 2014.

Google Scholar

[16] S. D Ekpe, F. J. Jiménez, D. J. Field, M. J. Davis, S. K. Dew, "Effect of Magnetic Field Strength on Deposition Rate and Energy Flux in a Dc Magnetron Sputtering System", Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films, 27(6), pp.1275-1280, 2009.

DOI: 10.1116/1.3222874

Google Scholar

[17] K. Wasa, I. Kanno, H. Kotera, Editor, Chapter 3, "Handbook of Sputter Deposition Technology: Fundamentals and Applications for Functional Thin Films, Nano-Materials and MEMS", William Andrew, pp.96-104, 2012.

Google Scholar

[18] P. Kelly, R. Arnell, "Magnetron Sputtering: A Review of Recent Developments and Applications", Vacuum, 56(3), pp.159-172, 2000.

DOI: 10.1016/s0042-207x(99)00189-x

Google Scholar

[19] S.S.A. Shah, S.U. Awan, "N to P-type Transition with Narrowing Optical Bandgap and Increasing Carrier Concentration of Spin Coated Cu Doped ZnS Thin Films for Optoelectronic Applications", Optical Materials, 141, p.113816, 2023.

DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2023.113816

Google Scholar

[20] M. B. Zaman, T. Chandel, K. Dehury, P. Rajaram, 'Synthesis and Characterization of Spin Coated ZnS Thin Films", AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1953, No. 1, AIP Publishing LLC, p.100066, 2018.

DOI: 10.1063/1.5033002

Google Scholar

[21] V. Kumar, M. Saroja, M. Venkatachalam, S. Shankar, "Synthesis and Characterization of ZnS Thin Films by Sol Gel Dip and Spin Coating Methods", Int. J. Rec. Sci. Res, 6(11), pp.7377-7379, 2015.

Google Scholar

[22] Rawat, Kusum, P. K. Shishodia, "Structural and Optical Properties of Sol Gel Derived Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanoparticles", Advanced Powder Technology 28.2, pp.611-617, 2017.

DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2016.11.013

Google Scholar

[23] A. Ziti, B. Hartiti, H. Labrim, S. Fadili, A. Ridah, B. Belhorma., M. Tahri, P. Thevenin, "Study of Kesterite CZTS Thin Films Deposited by Spin Coating Technique for Photovoltaic Applications", Superlattices and Microstructures, 127, pp.191-200, 2019.

DOI: 10.1016/j.spmi.2017.11.023

Google Scholar

[24] S. Mahjoubi, N. Bitri, M. Abaab, I. Ly, "Effect of Copper Concentration on The Characteristics of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) Thin Films", Materials Letters, 216, pp.154-157, 2018.

DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2018.01.004

Google Scholar

[25] I.D. Simandan, F. Sava, A.T. Buruiana, I. Burducea, N. Becherescu, "The Effect of the Deposition Method on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnS Thin Films" Coatings, MDPI, 11(9), p.1064, 2021.

DOI: 10.3390/coatings11091064

Google Scholar

[26] A. Goktas, F. Aslan, A. Tumbul, "Nanostructured Cu-doped ZnS Polycrystalline Thin Films Produced by a Wet Chemical Route: The Influences of Cu Doping and Film Thickness on the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties", Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 75, p.45–53, 2015.

DOI: 10.1007/s10971-015-3674-8

Google Scholar

[27] M. Nikzad, M. R. Khanlary, S. Rafiee, S. "Structural, Optical and Morphological Properties of Cu-Doped ZnS Thin Films Synthesized by Sol Gel Method", Applied Physics A, 125(8), pp.1-9, 2019.

DOI: 10.1007/s00339-019-2790-7

Google Scholar

[28] O. ztas¸ M, Bedir, A.N. Yazici, E.V. Kafadar, H. Toktamis. "Characterization of Copper Doped Sprayed ZnSThin Films", Journal of Physics B, 381, p.40–46, 2006.

DOI: 10.1016/j.physb.2005.12.248

Google Scholar

[29] M.A. Shakil, S. Das, M.A. Rahman, U.S. Akther, M.K. Hassan, M. K. Rahman, "A Reviewon Zinc Sulphide Thin Film Fabrication forVarious Applications Based on Doping Elements", Materials Sciences and Applications,9, pp.751-778, 2018.

DOI: 10.4236/msa.2018.99055

Google Scholar

[30] M. Tufail, S.S.A. Shah, Z.S. Khan, M.B. Ihsan, "Development of 2nd Generation Thin Film Photovoltaics Based on CZTS Absorber Layer and ZnS Window Layer", Key Engineering Materials, Vol. 928, pp.177-182, 2022.

DOI: 10.4028/p-6z3a38

Google Scholar

© 2025 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies. For open access content, terms of the Creative Commons licensing CC-BY are applied.
Scientific.Net is a registered trademark of Trans Tech Publications Ltd.