Scientific advancements in antimony selenosulfide solar cells

Abstract

Antimony selenosulfide [Sb₂(S,Se)₃] is a scientifically interesting, and technologically intriguing photovoltaic (PV) material for the next generation of solar cells. Recently, power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 10.92% and 20.86% have been achieved in single-junction Sb₂(S,Se)₃ cells, under standard (AM1.5G) and indoor illumination (1000 lux), respectively. Prototype Si/Sb₂(S,Se)₃ and Sb₂Se₃/Sb₂(S,Se)₃ tandem solar cells have demonstrated PCEs exceeding 10%. However, various intractable factors, mainly the anisotropic carrier transport, anion-vacancy (V_S/Se) and cation anti-site (Sb_S/Se) defects, and non-optimized interfaces cumulate to notable photocurrent and photovoltage losses in Sb₂(S,Se)₃ solar cells. A comprehensive understanding of these performance-limiting factors can be instrumental in amplifying the PCE of Sb₂(S,Se)₃ solar cells, beyond state-of-the-art. In this context, this review provides a comprehensive discussion on the device engineering strategies and establishes a robust framework for the fabrication of high PCE (>15%) Sb₂(S,Se)₃ solar cells.