Towards Sustainable Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conversion: Studies Of New Absorber Materials

Abstract

The implementation of terawatt photovoltaic solar energy conversion will place new demands on materials supply and environmental impact. As a consequence, the search for sustainable photovoltaic materials that combine low cost with low toxicity and low energy manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly important. This paper examines the preparation and properties of two merging indium-free photovoltaic absorber materials, Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu3BiS3. Electrochemical routes to fabrication of absorber layers are considered, and characterization methods based on photoelectrochemistry and electrolyte contacts are discussed.