Growth of an Inx(OOH,S)y Buffer Layer and Its Application to Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 Solar Cells

Abstract

As an alternative to a CdS buffer layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2-based solar cells, we prepared In-based buffer layers using a chemical bath deposition method. XPS and XRD analyses revealed that the In-based buffer layers contained In2S3 and InOOH phases. Compared with CdS film, the In-based film, Inx(OOH,S)y, had higher optical transmittance and a shorter absorption edge. The Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cell with the Inx(OOH,S)y buffer layer had better photovoltaic properties than that with a conventional CdS buffer layer. The conversion efficiency of the best Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar cell with Inx(OOH,S)y buffer layer was 12.55 % for an active area of 0.19 cm2.