Prediction of optoelectronic features and efficiency for CuMX2 (M=Ga, In; X=S, Se) semiconductors using mbj+U approximation

• Published in: Current applied physics 2021, 32(0), , pp.11-23
• Main Authors: Bikerouin, M., Balli, M., Correa, J.D., Mora-Ramos, M.E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chalcopyrite; First-principles calculations; FP-LAPW; Optoelectronic properties; Solar cell performance; 물리학
• ISSN: 1567-1739; 1878-1675
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cap.2021.09.010

The optoelectronic properties of a selected group of Cu-III-VI2 chalcopyrites-based materials are deeply investigated by using the modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) potential, combined with DFT + U approach. The obtained results are further used to calculate these materials’ theoretical efficiency limit for solar cell applications. The bandgap findings indicate a reliable ±0.2 eV agreement. After evaluating the electronic and optical properties, the spectroscopic limited maximum efficiency (SLME) model was used as a metric for the screening. Besides the bandgap value considered in the Shockley–Queisser model, the SLME requires that the absorption spectra, the radiative recombination losses, and the absorber layer thickness must be considered to adequately calculate the efficiency of considered cells. Our findings unveil that some candidates, such as CuInS2, where an SLME of 30.25% is achieved at a film width of 500 nm can be classified in the category of materials with higher power conversion efficiency. [Display omitted] •mBJ + U-based first-principles computations are conducted.•Optoelectronic and efficiency features of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 are deeply analyzed.•Impact of thin-film thickness on the solar cell efficiency is studied.