Progress in the research on copper, zinc, tin, sulfur, selenium thin film solar cells in the Institute of Physics
June 09 13:17:55, 2025
The widespread adoption of solar cells and the enhancement of their photoelectric conversion efficiency hold immense significance. Among emerging technologies, copper-zinc-tin-sulfur-selenium (CZTSSe) solar cells represent a crucial advancement in the realm of inorganic thin-film photovoltaics. These cells boast several advantages, including abundant raw materials, environmental friendliness, affordability, and compatibility with existing industrial processes. Despite these benefits, they still face considerable challenges in achieving higher efficiencies, making them a focal point in clean energy research.
Since 2016, Meng Qingbo's team at the Clean Energy Laboratory of the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with the Beijing National Research Center for Condensed Matter Physics, has been actively engaged in research on CZTSSe thin-film solar cells. Through deep insights into the physical and chemical properties of these materials, the team has achieved notable progress. Their work includes analyzing charge losses and defect characteristics in CZTSSe batteries, optimizing metal-molecular coordination in eco-friendly aqueous solutions, regulating thin-film crystallization and growth modes, and managing bulk phase defects. These efforts have been documented in prestigious journals such as *Advanced Materials* (2022), *Advanced Energy Materials* (2021), *Nano Energy* (2020), *Science Bulletin* (2020), and *Joule* (2020).
Recently, the team achieved another milestone in CZTSSe solar cell research, securing a certified efficiency of 13.6% for one of their cells. This breakthrough marks a new world record for CZTSSe solar cell efficiency and has been recognized by solar cell expert Martin Green, who included it in his Battery Efficiency Tables (Version 60).
This achievement underscores the potential of CZTSSe technology to revolutionize the solar energy landscape. As the team continues its exploration into optimizing these cells, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in renewable energy. Their work not only advances scientific knowledge but also brings us closer to a sustainable future powered by clean energy solutions.