Over 8% efficient nanocrystal-derived Cu₂ZnSnSe₄ solar cells with molybdenum nitride barrier films in back contact structure

Numerous of researches are being conducted to improve the efficiency of $Cu_2ZnSnSe_4$ (CZTSe)-based photovoltaic devices, which is one of the most promising candidates for low cost and environment-friendly solar cells. In this work, we concentrate on the back contact of the devices. A proper thickness of $MoSe_2$ in back contact structure is believed to enhance adhesion and ohmic contact between Mo back contact and absorber layer. Nevertheless, too thick $MoSe_2$ layers that are grown during high-temperature selenization process can impede the current collection, thus resulting in low cell performance. By applying molybdenum nitride as a barrier in back contact structure, we were able to control the thickness of $MoSe_2$ layer, which resulted in lower series resistance and higher fill factor of CZTSe devices. The phase transformation of Mo-N binary system was systematically studied by changing $N_2$ concentration during the sputtering process. With a proper phase of Mo-N fabricated by using an adequate partial pressure of $N_2$, the efficiency of CZTSe solar cells as high as 8.31% was achieved while the average efficiency was improved by about 2% with respect to that of the referent cells where no barrier layer was employed.