Single-step sulfo-selenization method to synthesize Cu2ZnSn(S(y)Se(1-y))4 absorbers from metallic stack precursors.

Pentenary Cu2ZnSn(S(y)Se(1-y))4 (kesterite) photovoltaic absorbers are synthesized by a one-step annealing process from copper-poor and zinc-rich precursor metallic stacks prepared by direct-current magnetron sputtering deposition. Depending on the chalcogen source--mixtures of sulfur and selenium powders, or selenium disulfide--as well as the annealing temperature and pressure, this simple methodology permits the tuning of the absorber composition from sulfur-rich to selenium-rich in one single annealing process. The impact of the thermal treatment variables on chalcogenide incorporation is investigated. The effect of the S/(S+Se) compositional ratio on the structural and morphological properties of the as-grown films, and the optoelectronic parameters of solar cells fabricated using these absorber films is studied. Using this single-step sulfo-selenization method, pentenary kesterite-based devices with conversion efficiencies up to 4.4 % are obtained.