A new world record 13.6% efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells by Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Large scale application of photovoltaic power generation and further improvement of photoelectric conversion efficiencies, have important energy strategic significance and extra high economic value. Kesterite solar cells (CZTSSe) is a kind of important emerging inorganic thin film solar cells, with the advantages of earth-abundant composition elements, environmentally friendly, low cost, high technical compatibility and so on, in the meantime, it also has much space for the efficiency improvement. Therefore, it is an important research field in clean energy. Currently, how to further increase the power conversion efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells is the key task for the researchers, and also the common goal for research groups in China and abroad. Our group has been working on CZTSSe solar cells since 2016. By deeply understanding physics and chemistry issues in the device, we have achieved some inspiring research processes, such as exploring the mechanism of charge loss and defect property by the aid of Modulated transient photocurrent/photovoltage measurement systems, developing environmentally friendly aqueous solutions by tailoring metal coordination modes, precise controlling crystal growth and phase transition of the CZTSSe layer, synergistical modification toward bulk defects and so on (Adv. Mater. 2022, 10.1002/adma.202202858；Adv. Energy Mater. 2021, 11, 2102298；Nano Energy, 2020, 76, 105042；Sci. Bull. 2020, 65, 738；Nano Energy 2020, 89, 106405；Joule, 2020, 4, 472)。

Very recently, we obtained as high as 13.6% certified efficiency of CZTSSe solar cells at May 17th,2022, which broke the record early this year. It has already been recorded by “Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60)” hosted by Prof. Martin Green from New South Wales University.

The latest progress has also been reported by the official website of the Institute of Physics and Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Institute of physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences press release link: http://www.iop.cas.cn/xwzx/kydt/202206/t20220628_6466887.html

Chinese Academy of Sciences press release link: https://www.cas.cn/syky/202206/t20220629_4839977.shtml

Figure 1. Efficiency certification report of the CZTSSe solar cell (report date:May 17th,2022)