ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2872-9648
Current Organisations
UNSW Sydney
,
St. Catherine University
,
Jinan University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Functional Materials | Compound Semiconductors | Photodetectors, Optical Sensors and Solar Cells | Materials Engineering |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in Engineering | Solar-Photovoltaic Energy | Coated Metal and Metal-Coated Products
Related Links
Publications
11.6% Efficient Pure Sulfide Cu(In,Ga)S2 Solar Cell through a Cu-Deficient and KCN-Free Process
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-12-2020
High Efficiency Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells with Shallow LiZn Acceptor Defects Enabled by Solution‐Based Li Post‐Deposition Treatment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-02-2021
A Generalized Crystallization Protocol for Scalable Deposition of High‐Quality Perovskite Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-06-2019
Mechanisms and modification of nonlinear shunt leakage in Sb2Se3 thin film solar cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Growth of Cu2ZnSnSe4 Film under Controllable Se Vapor Composition and Impact of Low Cu Content on Solar Cell Efficiency
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 15-04-2016
Abstract: It is a challenge to fabricate high quality Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) film with low Cu content (Cu/(Zn + Sn) < 0.8). In this work, the growth mechanisms of CZTSe films under different Se vapor composition are investigated by DC-sputtering and a postselenization approach. The composition of Se vapor has important influence on the compactability of the films and the diffusion of elements in the CZTSe films. By adjusting the composition of Se vapor during the selenization process, an optimized two step selenization process is proposed and highly crystallized CZTSe film with low Cu content (Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.75) is obtained. Further study of the effect of Cu content on the morphology and photovoltaic performance of the corresponding CZTSe solar cells has shown that the roughness of the CZTSe absorber film increases when Cu content decreases. As a consequence, the reflection loss of CZTSe solar cells reduces dramatically and the short circuit current density of the cells improve from 34.7 mA/cm(2) for Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.88 to 38.5 mA/cm(2) for Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.75. In addition, the CZTSe solar cells with low Cu content show longer minority carrier lifetime and higher open circuit voltage than the high Cu content devices. A ch ion performance CZTSe solar cell with 10.4% efficiency is fabricated with Cu/(Zn + Sn) = 0.75 in the CZTSe film without antireflection coating.
Barrier effect of AlN film in flexible Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells on stainless steel foil and solar cell
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2015
Restraining the Band Fluctuation of CBD‐Zn(O,S) Layer: Modifying the Hetero‐Junction Interface for High Performance Cu2ZnSnSe4 Solar Cells With Cd‐Free Buffer Layer
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-2017
10% Efficiency Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin film solar cells fabricated by magnetron sputtering with enlarged depletion region width
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
Defect‐Resolved Effective Majority Carrier Mobility in Highly Anisotropic Antimony Chalcogenide Thin‐Film Solar Cells
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-01-2021
Defect Control for 12.5% Efficiency Cu2ZnSnSe4 Kesterite Thin‐Film Solar Cells by Engineering of Local Chemical Environment
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2020
Beyond 10% efficiency Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells enabled by modifying the heterojunction interface chemistry
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9TA09576D
Abstract: ZnCdS buffer layers deposited from high concentration ammonia enable a less defective interface and over 10% efficiency Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 solar cell.
Interface engineering of p-n heterojunction for kesterite photovoltaics: A progress review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Improvement of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells by Adding N,N‐Dimethylformamide to the Dimethyl Sulfoxide‐Based Precursor Ink
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2019
Abstract: Cu
Unveiling microscopic carrier loss mechanisms in 12% efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 09-02-2022
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-1274090/V1
Abstract: Carrier loss mechanisms at microscopic regions is imperative for high-performance polycrystalline inorganic thin-film solar cells. Despite the progress on Kesterite, a promising environmental-benign and earth-abundant thin-film photovoltaic material, the microscopic carrier loss mechanisms and their impact on device performance remain unknown. Herein, we unveil these mechanisms in state-of-the-art Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 (CZTSe) solar cells using a framework that links microscopic-structural and optoelectronic characterizations with three-dimensional device simulations. The results indicate the CZTSe films have an encouraging intragrain minority carrier lifetime of ns, a marginal radiative recombination loss through sub-band recombination and electrostatic potential fluctuation, whilst a large effective grain boundary recombination velocity of around 10 4 cm s -1 and a low net carrier density of ~1×10 15 cm -3 . We identify that severe grain boundary recombination and low net carrier density are the current limiting factors of device performance. The established framework can greatly advance the research of kesterite and other emerging photovoltaic materials.
Climate warming causes photobiont degradation and carbon starvation in a boreal climate sentinel lichen
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1002/AJB2.16114
Abstract: The long‐term potential for acclimation by lichens to changing climates is poorly known, despite their prominent roles in forested ecosystems. Although often considered “extremophiles,” lichens may not readily acclimate to novel climates well beyond historical norms. In a previous study (Smith et al., 2018), Evernia mesomorpha transplants in a whole‐ecosystem climate change experiment showed drastic mass loss after 1 yr of warming and drying however, the causes of this mass loss were not addressed. We examined the causes of this warming‐induced mass loss by measuring physiological, functional, and reproductive attributes of lichen transplants. Severe loss of mass and physiological function occurred above +2°C of experimental warming. Loss of algal symbionts (“bleaching”) and turnover in algal community compositions increased with temperature and were the clearest impacts of experimental warming. Enhanced CO 2 had no significant physiological or symbiont composition effects. The functional loss of algal photobionts led to significant loss of mass and specific thallus mass (STM), which in turn reduced water‐holding capacity (WHC). Although algal genotypes remained detectable in thalli exposed to higher stress, within‐thallus photobiont communities shifted in composition toward greater ersity. The strong negative impacts of warming and/or lower humidity on Evernia mesomorpha were driven by a loss of photobiont activity. Analogous to the effects of climate change on corals, the balance of symbiont carbon metabolism in lichens is central to their resilience to changing conditions.
Emergence of flexible kesterite solar cells: progress and perspectives
Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC
Date: 10-01-2023
DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-2425590/V1
Abstract: Flexible photovoltaics have been and will be increasingly in demand in modern and future society in various applications. Searching for ideal flexible photovoltaic technologies that can perfectly meet these expanding demands has long been an active branch of photovoltaic research. Flexible kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) has emerged in recent years owning to its great potential to be an abundant, low-cost, stable, and high-efficiency “green” photovoltaic material that can be widely deployed with the lowest detrimental environmental impact. Here, we review the recent progress with flexible kesterite solar cells in thin-film and monograin technologies, discuss the key challenges and strategies associated with the flexible substrates, and finally provide future perspectives on further pushing the efficiency toward commercial-competitive levels.
Modifying the Hetero-junction Interface of Cu<inf>2</inf>ZnSnSe<inf>4</inf> Solar Cells
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2018
Effects of metal ion concentration on electrodeposited CuZnSn film and its application in kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5RA09966H
Abstract: The influence of metal cation concentrations on the composition, morphology and alloy formation of co-electrodeposited CuZnSn film was investigated.
10.3% Efficient Green Cd‐Free Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells Enabled by Liquid‐Phase Promoted Grain Growth
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-2022
Abstract: Small grain size and near‐horizontal grain boundaries are known to be detrimental to the carrier collection efficiency and device performance of pure‐sulfide Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) solar cells. However, forming large grains spanning the absorber layer while maintaining high electronic quality is challenging particularly for pure sulfide CZTS. Herein, a liquid‐phase‐assisted grain growth (LGG) model that enables the formation of large grains spanning across the CZTS absorber without compromising the electronic quality is demonstrated. By introducing a Ge‐alloyed CZTS nanoparticle layer at the bottom of the sputtered precursor, a Cu‐rich and Sn‐rich liquid phase forms at the high temperature sulfurization stage, which can effectively remove the detrimental near‐horizontal grain boundaries and promote grain growth, thus greatly improving the carrier collection efficiency and reducing nonradiative recombination. The remaining liquid phase layer at the rear interface shows a high work function, acting as an effective hole transport layer. The modified morphology greatly increases the short‐circuit current density and fill factor, enabling 10.3% efficient green Cd‐free CZTS devices. This work unlocks a grain growth mechanism, advancing the morphology control of sulfide‐based kesterite solar cells.
On the growth process of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 absorber layer formed by selenizing Cu–ZnS–SnS precursors and its photovoltaic performance
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Above 15% Efficient Directly Sputtered CIGS Solar Cells Enabled by a Modified Back-Contact Interface
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-10-2021
Surprising Efficiency Enhancement of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells with Abnormal Zn/Sn Ratios
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-09-2020
Rear interface modification for efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells processed with metallic precursors and low-cost Se vapor
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
Investigation of Mo:Na and Mo related back contacts for the application in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DC and RF sputtered molybdenum electrodes for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2019
A Temporary Barrier Effect of the Alloy Layer During Selenization: Tailoring the Thickness of MoSe2 for Efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 Solar Cells
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-02-2015
Kesterite Solar Cells: Insights into Current Strategies and Challenges
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-03-2021
Abstract: Earth‐abundant and environmentally benign kesterite Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTSSe) is a promising alternative to its cousin chalcopyrite Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 (CIGS) for photovoltaic applications. However, the power conversion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells has been stagnant at 12.6% for years, still far lower than that of CIGS (23.35%). In this report, insights into the latest cutting‐edge strategies for further advance in the performance of kesterite solar cells is provided, particularly focusing on the postdeposition thermal treatment (for bare absorber, heterojunction, and completed device), alkali doping, and bandgap grading by engineering graded cation and/or anion alloying. These strategies, which have led to the step‐change improvements in the power conversion efficiency of the counterpart CIGS solar cells, are also the most promising ones to achieve further efficiency breakthroughs for kesterite solar cells. Herein, the recent advances in kesterite solar cells along these pathways are reviewed, and more importantly, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms is provided, and promising directions for the ongoing development of kesterite solar cells are proposed.
Interface Recombination of Cu2ZnSnS4 Solar Cells Leveraged by High Carrier Density and Interface Defects
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-08-2021
Abstract: Kesterite Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) solar cell has emerged as one of the most promising thin‐film photovoltaic technologies that allows for cheap, clean, and efficient renewable power in the future. Nevertheless, limited by the large photovoltage deficit caused by severe interface recombination, the potential of CZTS solar cells is far from being fully tapped. Herein, it is demonstrated that the carrier density of the CZTS absorber and the acceptor‐like interface defects are two critical factors governing the interface recombination in addition to the unfavorable conduction band alignment. Results of device simulation suggest that passivating the acceptor‐like interface defects combined with appropriate absorber carrier density is the essential way to promote the photovoltage and efficiency of CZTS solar cells to a more competitive level. It is believed that these results could be generally applicable to the interface recombination of other heterojunction solar cells.
Systematic Efficiency Improvement for Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Solar Cells By Double Cation Incorporation with Cd and Ge
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-07-2021
Abstract: The performance of kesterite Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTSSe) solar cell is known to be severely limited by the nonradiative recombination near the heterojunction interface and within the bulk of the CZTSSe absorber resulting from abundant recombination centers and limited carrier collection efficiency. Herein, nonradiative recombination is simultaneously reduced by incorporating small amounts of Ge and Cd into the CZTSSe absorber. Incorporation of Ge effectively increases the p‐type doping, thus successfully improving the bulk conductance and reducing the recombination in the CZTSSe bulk via enhanced quasi‐Fermi level splitting, while the incorporation of Cd greatly reduces defects near the junction region, enabling larger depletion region width and better carrier collection efficiency. The combined effects of Cd and Ge incorporation give rise to systematic improvement in open‐circuit voltage ( V OC ), short‐circuit current density ( J SC ), and fill factor (FF), enabling a high conversion efficiency of 11.6%. This study highlights the multiple cation incorporation strategy for systematically manipulating the opto‐electronic properties of kesterite materials, which may also be applicable to other semiconductors.
Emerging inorganic compound thin film photovoltaic materials: Progress, challenges and strategies
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Emergence of flexible kesterite solar cells: progress and perspectives
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-03-2023
DOI: 10.1038/S41528-023-00250-7
Abstract: Flexible photovoltaics have been and will be increasingly in demand in modern and future society in various applications. Searching for ideal flexible photovoltaic technologies that can perfectly meet these expanding demands has long been an active branch of photovoltaic research. Flexible kesterite Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTSSe) has emerged in recent years owning to its great potential to be an abundant, low-cost, stable, and high-efficiency ‘green’ photovoltaic material that can be widely deployed with the lowest detrimental environmental impact. Here, we review the recent progress with flexible kesterite solar cells in thin-film and monograin technologies, discuss the key challenges and strategies associated with the flexible substrates, and finally provide the future perspectives on further pushing the efficiency toward commercial-competitive levels.
Cation Substitution in Earth‐Abundant Kesterite Photovoltaic Materials
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-01-2018
Analysis of manufacturing cost and market niches for Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) solar cells
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D0SE01734E
Abstract: The manufacturing costs of CZTS with different substrates, major cost drivers, and cost reduction strategies are analyzed. Potential market niches of CZTS products and techno-economic requirements for CZTS commercialization are explored.
Tailoring the defects and carrier density for beyond 10% efficient CZTSe thin film solar cells
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
Defect Control for 12.5% Efficiency Cu <sub>2</sub>ZnSnSe <sub>4</sub> Kesterite Thin-Film Solar Cells by Engineering of Local Chemical Environment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3542579
Large‐Grain Spanning Monolayer Cu2ZnSnSe4 Thin‐Film Solar Cells Grown from Metal Precursor
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-12-2021
Abstract: The persistent double layer structure whereby two layers with different properties form at the front and rear of absorbers is a critical challenge in the field of kesterite thin‐film solar cells, which imposes additional nonradiative recombination in the quasi‐neutral region and potential limitation to the transport of hole carriers. Herein, an effective model for growing monolayer CZTSe thin‐films based on metal precursors with large grains spanning the whole film is developed. Voids and fine grain layer are avoided successfully by suppressing the formation of a Sn‐rich liquid metal phase near Mo back contact during alloying, while grain coarsening is greatly promoted by enhancing mass transfer during grain growth. The desired morphology exhibits several encouraging features, including significantly reduced recombination in the quasi‐neutral region that contributes to the large increase of short‐circuit current, and a quasi‐Ohmic back contact which is a prerequisite for high fill factor. Though this growth mode may introduce more interfacial defects which require further modification, the strategies demonstrated remove a primary obstacle toward higher efficiency kesterite solar cells, and can be applicable to morphology control with other emerging chalcogenide thin films.
Unveiling microscopic carrier loss mechanisms in 12% efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-07-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41560-022-01078-7
Abstract: Understanding carrier loss mechanisms at microscopic regions is imperative for the development of high-performance polycrystalline inorganic thin-film solar cells. Despite the progress achieved for kesterite, a promising environmentally benign and earth-abundant thin-film photovoltaic material, the microscopic carrier loss mechanisms and their impact on device performance remain largely unknown. Herein, we unveil these mechanisms in state-of-the-art Cu 2 ZnSnSe 4 (CZTSe) solar cells using a framework that integrates multiple microscopic and macroscopic characterizations with three-dimensional device simulations. The results indicate the CZTSe films have a relatively long intragrain electron lifetime of 10–30 ns and small recombination losses through bandgap and/or electrostatic potential fluctuations. We identify that the effective minority carrier lifetime of CZTSe is dominated by a large grain boundary recombination velocity (~10 4 cm s −1 ), which is the major limiting factor of present device performance. These findings and the framework can greatly advance the research of kesterite and other emerging photovoltaic materials.
Related Organisations
Related Funding Activities
Linkage Projects - Grant ID: LP200301593
Start Date: 12-2022
End Date: 11-2025
Amount: $589,137.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity