Shamardin A. Optimization of the properties of Cu2ZnSn(Ge)S4 films obtained by spray pyrolysis for third-generation solar cells

The dissertation is devoted to the determination of the conditions for the synthesis of CZTS films by the spray pyrolysis method with optimized properties, suitable for instrument using; the development of a technological approach for alloying films with Ge atoms and the study of the mechanisms of the replacement of Sn atoms by Ge during the deposition of CZTGeS layers; the comprehensive analysis of CZTS and CZTGeS films depending on various physical and chemical technological conditions of deposition and post-growth laser annealing in order to optimize their properties for use in third generation solar cells (SC); the study of the effect of sulfur concentration in precursors on the structural characteristics of CZTS films and its further influence on SCs operational parameters; the determination of the impact of optical losses, the concentration of Ge and Sn atoms in the CZTGeS absorber layer, the material of various buffer layers (CdS, ZnS, ZnMgO, SnS2) and the change in the energy of work function of back contact layer on the basic photoelectric characteristics of SC; the determination of the parameters needed to optimize the design of such solar cells with improved working characteristics. The developed technique and the established relationships between the physicochemical conditions of the synthesis of CZT(Ge)S films, their post-growth laser annealing, and structural, substructural, optoelectrical characteristics, together with elemental composition can be used to produce SCs with high photoconversion efficiency and low cost-price.