Thickness effect on Cu2ZnSnS4 properties using non-toxic and low-cost process

Abstract

CZTS thin films were prepared by simple Sol-gel method. CZTS sol-gel mixture contains tin chloride, copper acetate, zinc acetate and thiourea as a source of sulfur. CZTS solution was then deposited on molybdenum coated glass substrates. The prepared thin films were annealed at 540 °C in sulfur atmosphere for one hour. CZTS films showed good crystalline quality and optical properties that depend on the film thickness. The measured films band gap was close to 1.43 eV with a good kesterite phase. The CZTS layer was used as an absorber in solar cell with the structure glass/Mo/CZTS/CdS/ZnO/AZO/Al and demonstrated an open circuit voltage of 66 mV and a short circuit current of 6.8 µA/cm2.