Open Access

ARTICLE

Ultrasonic spray synthesis, photoelectric properties and photovoltaic performances of chalcogenide CaSnS₃

J. T. Jia^a,b, X. H. Yang^a,b,*, L. W. Wang^a,b

a Department of Automotive Engineering, Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering, Xingtai 054000, China
b Hebei Special Vehicle Modification Technology Innovation Center, Xingtai, 054000, China

* Corresponding Author:

Chalcogenide Letters 2024, 21(7), 543-556. https://doi.org/10.15251/CL.2024.217.543

Received 06 March 2024; Accepted 16 July 2024;

Abstract

Chalcogenide perovskites are promising lead-free, stable absorber materials for solar cells. This work reports the synthesis of orthorhombic phase pure CaSnS₃ thin films by facile low temperature sulfurization of solution-processed CaSnO₃ oxide precursors. Structural characterization confirms complete anion exchange to produce crystalline CaSnS₃ films with vertically aligned rod-like grains. Optical studies show strong visible light absorption with direct bandgap of 1.72 eV, ideal for photovoltaics. Electrical measurements indicate p-type conductivity with hole concentration of 1.2×10¹⁷ cm^-3 and mobility around 8 cm2V-1s-1 at room temperature. First-principles DFT calculations corroborate the p-type electronic structure. Prototype CaSnS3 solar cells are fabricated with TiO₂ electrode, demonstrating power conversion efficiency of 2.5% under AM1.5G, open-circuit voltage of 0.55 V, short circuit current density of 11.5 mA/cm² and fill factor of 0.62. The cells also exhibit remarkable ambient shelf stability over 6 months. The comprehensive results validate the photovoltaic potential of these earth abundant, sustainable chalcogenide perovskites synthesized via scalable low-cost solution methods. Further interface engineering can enable enhanced efficiencies.

---

Keywords

---