Crystal engineering and thin-film deposition strategies towards improving the performance of kesterite photovoltaic cell

With high absorption coefficient (104 cm?1), optimal bandgap (~1.5 eV), low toxicity and the abundance of its constituent elements, kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4 or CZTS) displays properties an ideal photovoltaic material. Kesterite is structurally analogous to chalcopyrite (Cu2InGaS2 CIGS) can thus be produced through already established techniques for synthesis commercial CIGS. Though CIGS- CdTe-based thin-film solar cells have attained levels power efficiency values (up ~22%) that compare with crystalline silicon-based wafer cell, they contain rare earth elements (indium, tellurium Cd) are toxic. This article reviews crystal structure formation CZTS. Material synthesis, deposition methodologies different layers been developed kesterite-based (PV) cell reported. Factors hinder high-power conversion efficiency, including large open-circuit voltage deficit (Voc,def), discussed. Strategies, such as alloy formation, which employed overcome limitations using in PV applications presented, together future direction quest improving performance devices.