Solution Processed Solar Cells

Author

Yi Jin, Clemson UniversityFollow

Date of Award

12-2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Legacy Department

Chemistry

Committee Member

George Chumanov, Committee Chair

Committee Member

Jeffrey N. Anker

Committee Member

Brian Dominy

Committee Member

Modi Wetzler

Abstract

Photovoltaics have experienced a rapid development in the device structure, material process and efficiency in the past decade. Here, uniform, fully converted CH₃NH₃PbI₃ films were synthesized at room temperature by converting PbI₂ in a saturated solution of CH₃NH₃I in 2-propanol/hexane (cyclohexane). Solar cells with a structure of ITO/ZnO/CH₃NH₃PbI₃/graphite/carbon black electrode were fabricated by spin coating at ambient conditions. The best device yielded 10.2% power conversion efficiency. PbI₂-based photovoltaic devices having ITO/ZnO (or WO₃) /PbI₂/graphite (or without graphite) /carbon black structure were fabricated by spin coating at ambient conditions. The best devices yielded 0.32% power conversion efficiency. Pure 2H CuFeO₂ nanoplates with a thickness of about 100 nm were synthesized at temperatures as low as 100 °C. 2H CuFeO₂ has a band gap of 1.33 eV, high absorption coefficient, and highly photostability. The material appears promising for solar applications. A new method based on the cation exchange reaction for the synthesis of Cu_xZn_ySn_2-0.25x-0.5yS₄ with the crystallite size more than 85 nm was developed. This method appears promising for facilitating the development of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ based devices.

Recommended Citation

Jin, Yi, "Solution Processed Solar Cells" (2016). All Dissertations. 1838.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/1838