ISSN: 0256-1115 (print version) ISSN: 1975-7220 (electronic version)
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In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
Publication history
Received October 28, 2024
Accepted November 1, 2024
articles This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Strategies to Enhance the Performance of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 Thin-Film Solar Cells by Doping Approaches

Clean Energy Research Center , Korea Institute of Science and Technology 1Graduate School of Energy and Environment , Korea University
kimds701@kist.re.kr, bkmin@kist.re.kr
Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, December 2024, 41(14), 3771-3781(11), https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-024-00326-8

Abstract

With the deepening climate emergency and the growing imperative to move beyond fossil fuels, Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se) 2 —commonly

referred to as CIGS—thin-fi lm solar cells are gaining prominence as a key pillar in the quest for long-term energy

sustainability. Recently, CIGS solar cells have gained substantial recognition after achieving an impressive effi ciency of

over 23.6%. Despite this advancement and high-effi ciency, the signifi cant costs and technical complexities involved still

pose major challenges to large-scale commercialization in vacuum-based processes. Solution-processed CIGS solar cells are

being presented as a viable alternative to overcome these issues. This process allows for the formation of consistent thin fi lms

across large surfaces while also showing promise for reducing production costs. However, effi ciency remains a key challenge

and continues to be a critical factor for commercialization. The doping of new elements in CIGS absorber is an eff ective

way to address these issues, signifi cantly enhancing the performance of CIGS solar cells. Over the years, many elements

have been incorporated into vacuum-based processes through doping, signifi cantly contributing to high effi ciency. Most

notably, Uppsala University (UU) recently achieved a record effi ciency of 23.6% by incorporating Sodium (Na), silver (Ag),

and Rubidium (Rb). These fi ndings imply that doping could potentially serve as a major catalyst for maximizing effi ciency

in solution-processed solar cells. This article reviews the latest developments in CIGS solar cells technology, summarizing

the highest recorded effi ciencies resulting from specifi c dopant incorporation strategies and combinations. Furthermore, we

propose strategic approaches to improving the effi ciency of solution-processed CIGS solar cells and discuss potential future

research directions.

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