%0 Journal Article
%T Numerical Study and Optimization of CZTS-Based Thin-Film Solar Cell Structure with Different Novel Buffer-Layer Materials Using SCAPS-1D Software
%A Md. Zamil Sultan
%A Arman Shahriar
%A Rony Tota
%A Md. Nuralam Howlader
%A Hasibul Haque Rodro
%A Mahfuja Jannat Akhy
%A Md. Abir Al Rashik
%J Energy and Power Engineering
%P 179-195
%@ 1947-3818
%D 2024
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/epe.2024.164009
%X This study explored the performances of CZTS-based thin-film solar cell with three novel buffer layer materials ZnS, CdS, and CdZnS, as well as with variation in thickness of buffer and absorber-layer, doping concentrations of absorber-layer material and operating temperature. Our aims focused to identify the most optimal thin-film solar cell structure that offers high efficiency and lower toxicity which are desirable for sustainable and eco-friendly energy sources globally. SCAPS-1D, widely used software for modeling and simulating solar cells, has been used and solar cell fundamental performance parameters such as open-circuited voltage (<img src=\"https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId13.svg?20240417020405\" >), short-circuited current density (<img src=\"https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId15.svg?20240417020405\" >), fill-factor(<img src=\"https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId17.svg?20240417020405\" >) and efficiency(<img src=\"https://html.scirp.org//file/6202888-rId19.svg?20240417020405\" >) have been optimized in this study. Based on our simulation results, it was found that CZTS solar cell with Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S as buffer-layer offers the most optimal combination of high efficiency and lower toxicity in comparison to other structure investigated in our study. Although the efficiency of Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS are comparable, Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S is preferable to use as buffer-layer for its non-toxic property. In addition, evaluation of performance as a function of buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S, ZnS and CdS showed that optimum buffer-layer thickness for Cd<sub>0.4</sub>Zn<sub>0.6</sub>S was in the range from 50 to 150nm while ZnS offered only 50 – 75 nm. Furthermore, the temperature dependence performance parameters evaluation revealed that it is better to operate solar cell at temperature 290<i>K</i> for stable operation with optimum performances. This study would provide valuable insights into design and optimization of nanotechnology-based solar energy technology for minimizing global energy crisis and developing eco-friendly energy sources sustainable and simultaneously.
%K Thin-Film Solar Cell
%K CZTS
%K Buffer-Layer
%K Renewable Energy
%K Green-House Gases
%K Efficiency
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=132503