Ultrathin Sb2S3 solar cells processed by atomic-layer additive manufacturing

Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review

Contributors

  • Micah Mc Naire - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Sanja Pannen - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Jonas Englhard - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Pei Chun Liao - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Selina Kern - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • David Zanders - , Ruhr University Bochum (Author)
  • Anjana Devi - , Chair of Materials Chemistry (gB/IFW), Ruhr University Bochum, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (Author)
  • Ryan W. Crisp - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Julien Bachmann - , Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, ATLANT 3D (Author)

Abstract

The most conventional atomic layer processing method, atomic layer deposition (ALD), delivers ultrathin blanket coatings with sub-nanometer thickness precision. Lateral confinement underpins the direct atomic layer processing (DALP®) family of deposition techniques. ALD chemistry applied to DALP® is a 3D printing method called atomic-layer additive manufacturing (ALAM). Here, we demonstrate the applicability of ALAM to the additive buildup of the crucial ZnS / Sb2S3 / V2O5 semiconductor stack which constitutes an functional inorganic solar cell. To this goal, ALAM processes are first optimized and evaluated for the individual materials vanadium(V) oxide, zinc sulfide, and antimony(III) sulfide. We establish the layer-by-layer growth mode controlled by self-limiting surface chemistry and characterize the materials’ structure and the smooth surface morphology of ALAM-coated areas. Finally, all three materials are 3D-printed in ALAM mode in combination with electrodes and the electron acceptor titania (TiO2) to form functional solar cells with a 120 nm thick Sb2S3 absorber layer. This novel fabrication of solar cells highlights the advantages of using direct patterning in the prototyping and optimization of photovoltaics in research and development.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number180
JournalCommunications Materials
Volume7
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords