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This work was conducted at the Ben M'Sik Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Materials Laboratory (LIMAT) (Nanomaterials and Thin Films Team). This study is part of research efforts aimed at addressing global energy challenges. These challenges are caused in particular by rapid population growth, increased urbanization, and exponential energy demand. Faced with the progressive depletion of fossil resources and their environmental impacts, renewable energies, and solar energy in particular, are positioning themselves as an essential solution for a sustainable energy supply.
The main objective of this thesis is to optimize the performance of CIGS (Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenium) and CZTS (Copper-Zinc-Tin-Sulfur) solar cells by making modifications to their internal layers. These modifications were analyzed using numerical simulations performed with SCAPS (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) software. Particular attention was paid to the integration of new materials for functional layers, including reduced graphene oxide (rGO) as the back surface field (BSF) layer and titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the buffer layer, to improve performance, reduce costs, and adopt a more environmentally friendly approach.
The experimental approach followed several steps: GO synthesis using a modified Hummers method, its chemical reduction to rGO using aluminum foil and hydrochloric acid, then the deposition of molybdenum thin films on soda-lime glass substrates by RF magnetron sputtering, and finally, the deposition of rGO in thin layers using techniques such as doctor blade and spin coating.
In parallel, CZTS-based structures were developed, integrating an rGO BSF layer and a TiO2 buffer layer. These devices were characterized using various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to assess their structural, morphological, and chemical properties.
This work is part of a dynamic research and innovation effort aimed at designing high-efficiency, stable, environmentally friendly photovoltaic cells compatible with industrial production. It was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Trento (Italy).
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