Optimizing CdS/Sb₂S₃ solar cells for enhanced performance: reaching 26.83% efficiency

Abstract This study, developed a CdS/Sb 2 S 3 -based solar cell structure using Sb 2 S 3 as the absorber material and CdS as the window layer. The performance of the ITO/CdS/Sb 2 S 3 /Pt heterostructure was numerically analyzed using SCAPS-1D software. The investigation focused on the impact of the back contact’s work function, where platinum yielded the best results. Furthermore, the effects of absorber and window layer thickness, series and parallel resistances, total defect density, acceptor concentration, and operating temperature on V oc , J sc , FF, and overall solar cell efficiency were systematically examined. The evolution of peak power conversion efficiencies under AM1.5 conditions, as represented in the NREL efficiency chart, serves as a key benchmark for evaluating and comparing the performance of different photovoltaic technologies. Thin-film solar cells have achieved a maximum reported efficiency of 23.6% according to this standard. However, the structure proposed in this study achieves a remarkable efficiency of 26.83% under the AM1.5 G illumination spectrum. This result highlights the potential of the developed technology for high-performance solar energy conversion applications. Additionally, when the operating temperature varied from 10 °C to 60 °C, the efficiency decreased by only 2%, demonstrating the structure’s high thermal stability.