Silver-substituted (Ag1-xCux)2ZnSnS4 solar cells from aprotic molecular inks

To battle the high open-circuit voltage deficit (VOC,def) in kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4 or CZTS) solar cells, a current field of research relates to point defect engineering by cation substitution. For example, partly replacing Cu with an element larger ionic radius, such as Ag, degree Cu/Zn disorder decreases, and likewise does associated band tailing. In this paper, solution-processed (Ag1-xCux)2ZnSnS4 (ACZTS) samples are prepared through aprotic molecular ink approach using DMSO solvent. The successful incorporation silver into CZTS lattice is demonstrated relatively concentrations, namely Ag/(Ag+Cu) ratios 13% 26%. best device was made had efficiency 4.9%. compared pure sample terms microstructure, phase distribution, photoluminescence, performance. XRD patterns, decrease parameter c/a ratio observed for ACZTS, well significant peak splitting Ag addition several characteristic reflections. improvement efficiency, other advantageous effects Ag-incorporation include enhanced grain growth increased gap. A too concentration leads formation secondary phases SnS Ag2S detected XRD.