Abstract:

This paper presents for the first time Sb2S3-based solar cells operating on
scaffold film. The scaffolds studied are Al2O3 and ZrO2, for which no electron injection
from the Sb2S3 to the Al2O3 or ZrO2 is possible. As a result, one of the highest open circuit
voltages (Voc) of 0.712 V was observed for this solar cell configuration. Electron dispersive
spectroscopy (EDS) was performed, revealing complete pore filling of the Sb2S3 into the
metal oxide pores (e.g., Al2O3 or ZrO2); the complete pore filling of the Sb2S3 is
responsible for the photovoltaic performance (PV) of this unique solar cell structure. In
addition, intensity modulated photovoltage and photocurrent spectroscopy (IMVS and
IMPS) were performed to extract the electron diffusion length. Electron diffusion length in
the range of 900 nm to 290 nm (depending on the light intensity) was observed, which
further supports the operation of metal oxide/Sb2S3 solar cell configuration. Moreover, the
Al2O3-based cells have longer electron diffusion length than the TiO2-based cells,
supporting the higher open circuit voltage of the noninjected metal oxide-based cells. This
work demonstrates the potential of Sb2S3 to gain high voltage and to perform on a scaffold
substrate without requiring electron injection.