BRIGE: CZTS Thin-Films and Solar Cells by Liquid-Based Techniques

BRIGE：基于液体技术的 CZTS 薄膜和太阳能电池

• 批准号: 1125775
• 负责人: Deidra Hodges
• 金额: $ 17.5万
• 依托单位: Southern Polytechnic State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2011
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2011-08-15 至 2014-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1125775&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: BRIGE; CZTS; Thin; Films; Solar

Intellectual Merit: The research objective of this BRIGE award is the fundamental developmental of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films and solar cells by non-vacuum, liquid-based techniques. Expensive materials and processes limit the potential for future long term cost reductions in photovoltaics. Thin film polycrystalline low cost solar cells have emerged as a significant step in reducing the materials cost in photovoltaics. CZTS has recently emerged as one of the most promising absorber layer materials for low-cost thin-film solar cells, providing both an economical and green solution to the current thin-film technologies, consisting of abundant, low-cost, non-toxic elements. CZTS has a suitable optical band gap of ~1.5 eV and a large optical absorption coefficient of over 104 cm-1. This research will develop a solution-particle (hybrid slurry) approach using the CTZS constituents to fabricate the CZTS thin films. Characterization and analysis of the thin films will focus on the composition ratios with the objective of growing Cu-poor and Zn-rich CZTS thin films, the formation of a stoichiometric compound, growth of large grains, and a stable crystal structure. High residual stress in the thin films can trigger significant undesirable consequences including deformation, fracture, delamination and device failure. This research will perform CZTS thin film adhesion and stress analysis and employ techniques and mechanisms that alleviate stress, promote adhesion and improve the overall quality of the films. This research will establish a relation between thin film deposition conditions, and electrical, optical and structural properties of CZTS thin films that will enable the fabrication of high efficiency solar cell devices. Broader Impact: The proposed research of CZTS thin films enabling high efficiency solar cell devices will broaden the participation of underrepresented groups in an emergent area of national need ? alternative renewable energy sources. This project will implement educational and outreach activities including research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. The outcomes of this research will be integrated into a new course, ?Fundamentals of Solar Power and Renewable Energy?. This course will be developed during the proposed project and offered to students in all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This research will be integrated into the outreach and educational activities beyond training of undergraduate and graduate students. Early awareness outreach programs that stimulate interest in science, engineering and solar energy will be developed. Outreach activities will include solar energy summer camps and programs targeted to young girls in middle school. In addition to supporting and mentoring undergraduate researchers, a postdoctoral researcher will be supported and mentored.

智慧价值：这一布里奇奖的研究目标是通过非真空、液基技术对Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS)薄膜和太阳能电池的基础开发。昂贵的材料和工艺限制了未来光伏发电长期成本降低的潜力。薄膜多晶低成本太阳能电池是降低光伏材料成本的重要一步。CZTS最近已成为最有前途的低成本薄膜太阳能电池吸收层材料之一，为目前由丰富、低成本、无毒元素组成的薄膜技术提供了一种经济、绿色的解决方案。CZTS具有约1.5 eV的合适光学带隙和大于104 cm-1的较大光吸收系数。本研究将开发一种使用CTZ组分的溶液-颗粒(混合浆料)方法来制备CZTS薄膜。薄膜的表征和分析将集中在成分比例上，目标是生长贫铜和富锌的CZTS薄膜，形成化学计量化合物，生长大颗粒和稳定的晶体结构。薄膜中的高残余应力会引发严重的不良后果，包括变形、断裂、分层和器件失效。这项研究将进行CZTS薄膜的附着力和应力分析，并采用缓解应力、促进附着力和提高薄膜整体质量的技术和机制。这项研究将建立薄膜沉积条件与CZTS薄膜的电、光和结构性能之间的关系，从而使高效太阳能电池器件的制造成为可能。更广泛的影响：CZTS薄膜的拟议研究将使高效太阳能电池设备能够扩大代表不足的群体在国家需求的紧急领域的参与？替代可再生能源。该项目将开展教育和外联活动，包括为本科生和研究生提供研究经验。这项研究的成果将被整合到一门新的课程--《太阳能和可再生能源基础》中。本课程将在拟议的项目期间开发，并向所有科学、技术、工程和数学(STEM)学科的学生提供。这项研究将纳入本科生和研究生培训以外的外展和教育活动。将制定早期宣传计划，激发人们对科学、工程和太阳能的兴趣。外展活动将包括太阳能夏令营和针对中学年轻女孩的项目。除了支持和指导本科生研究人员外，博士后研究人员也将得到支持和指导。