Synthesis of solution-processed Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ thin films on transparent conducting oxide glass substrates

Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ (CZTSe) thin films were synthesized on transparent conducting oxide glass substrates via a simple, non-toxic, and low-cost process using a precursor solution paste. A three-step heating process (oxidation, sulfurization, and selenization) was employed to synthesize a CZTSe thin film as an absorber layer for use in thin-film solar cells. In particular, we focused on the effects of sulfurization conditions on CZTSe film formation. We found that sulfurization at 400 °C involves the formation of secondary phases such as CuSe2 and Cu₂SnSe3, but they gradually disappeared when the temperature was increased. The formed CZTSe thin films showed homogenous and good crystallinity with grain sizes of approximately 600 nm. A solar cell device was tentatively fabricated and showed a power conversion efficiency of 2.2% on an active area of 0.44 cm² with an open circuit voltage of 365 mV, a short current density of 20.6 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 28.7%.