Investigation of the SnS/Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Interfaces in Kesterite Thin-Film Solar Cells

Kesterite Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS), having only earth-abundant elements, is a promising solar cell material. Nevertheless, the impact of the SnS secondary phase, which often forms alongside CZTS synthesis at high annealing temperature, on CZTS solar cells is poorly studied. We confirm, by means of X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping, that this phase tends to segregate at both the surface and the back side of annealed CZTS films with Cu-poor and Zn-rich composition. Using electron beam-induced current measurements, it is further demonstrated that the formation of SnS on the CZTS surface is harmful for solar cells, whereas the SnS phase can be beneficial for solar cells when it segregates on the CZTS rear. This positive contribution of SnS could stem from a passivation effect at the CZTS/SnS rear interface. This work opens new possibilities for an alternative interface development for kesterite-based photovoltaic technology.