Precisely tuning Ge substitution for efficient solution-processed Cu_2ZnSn(S,Se)_4 solar cells

The kesterite Cu_2ZnSn(S,Se)_4(CZTSSe) solar cells have yielded a prospective conversion efficiency among all thinfilm photovoltaic technology. However, its further development is still hindered by the lower open-circuit voltage(Voc), and the non-ideal bandgap of the absorber is an important factor affecting this issue. The substitution of Sn with Ge provides a unique ability to engineer the bandgap of the absorber film. Herein, a simple precursor solution approach was successfully developed to fabricate Cu_2Zn(SnyGe_(1-y))(SxSe_(1-x))_4(CZTGSSe) solar cells. By precisely adjusting the Ge content in a small range, the V_(oc) and J_(sc) are enhanced simultaneously. Benefitting from the optimized bandgap and the maintained spike structure and light absorption, the 10% Ge/(Ge+Sn) content device with a bandgap of approximately 1.1 eV yields the highest efficiency of 9.36%. This further indicates that a precisely controlled Ge content could further improve the cell performance for efficient CZTGSSe solar cells.