Enhancing stability and performance in next generation solar cells by employing advanced synchrotron characterization

Time period:

1 January 2026 – 31 December 2029

Project leader:

Natalia Mihaela Martin

Funder:

Swedish Research Council

Type of award:

Project grant

Total funding:

4,200,000 SEK

This proposal aims to fundamentally understand the degradation mechanisms in CIGSe thin film solar cells, crucial for enhancing their long-term performance and commercial viability. Despite their advantages in flexibility, low cost, and potential for tandem device integration, the stability of CIGSe under operational conditions and during fabrication remains a significant challenge. The study employs advanced synchrotron techniques, including X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction tomography, to investigate the interplay between structural, chemical, and electronic properties at the nanoscale. The research focuses on identifying degradation pathways induced by environmental stressors (humidity, temperature, bias, light), thermal/chemical instabilities during processing, and interface degradation. The project will run for 4 years and combines detailed synchrotron analysis with electrical performance and synthesis of real functional samples. The results from the proposed experiments will open up new directions on how to optimize the solar cells and ultimately design better and more durable devices.This research uniquely applies synchrotron methods to examine the degradation and chemical processes in CIGSe, an underexplored area. It aims to uncover nanoscale phenomena that can optimize device architecture, enhance material durability, and improve longevity, advancing solar cell technology and sustainable energy solutions.