Dr. Isaac Montoya de Los Santos

A numerical simulation is a valuable tool since it allows the optimization of both time and the cost of experimental processes for time optimization and the cost of experimental processes. In addition, it will enable the interpretation of developed measurements in complex structures, the design and optimization of solar cells, and the prediction of the optimal parameters that contribute to manufacturing a device with the best performance. In this sense, a detailed simulation study was carried out in this work by the Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator (SCAPS). In particular, we evaluate the influence of absorber and buffer thickness, absorber defect density, work function in back contact, R_s, R_sh, and carrier concentration on a CdTe/CdS cell to maximize its performance. Furthermore, the incorporation effect of ZnO:Al (TCO) and CuSCN (HTL) nanolayers was studied for the first time. As a result, the efficiency of the solar cell was maximized from 16.04% to 17.74% by increasing the J_sc and V_oc. This work will play an essential role in enhancing the performance of CdTe-based devices with the best performance.

12 July 2023 in Nanomaterials

Journal Article

Analytical Modeling and Optimization of Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ Solar Cells with the Use of Quantum Wells under the Radiative Limit

Karina Gabriela Rodriguez-Osorio

Juan Pablo Morán-Lázaro

Miguel Ojeda-Martínez

Isaac Montoya de Los Santos

Nassima El Ouarie

Maykel Courel

In this work, we present a theoretical study on the use of Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ quantum wells in Cu₂ZnSnS₄ solar cells to enhance device efficiency. The role of different well thickness, number, and S/(S + Se) composition values is evaluated. The physical mechanisms governing the optoelectronic parameters are analyzed. The behavior of solar cells based on Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ without quantum wells is also considered for comparison. Cu₂ZnSn(S,Se)₄ quantum wells with a thickness lower than 50 nm present the formation of discretized eigenstates which play a fundamental role in absorption and recombination processes. Results show that well thickness plays a more important role than well number. We found that the use of wells with thicknesses higher than 20 nm allow for better efficiencies than those obtained for a device without nanostructures. A record efficiency of 37.5% is achieved when 36 wells with a width of 50 nm are used, considering an S/(S + Se) well compositional ratio of 0.25.

About Me

Dr. Isaac Montoya De Los Santos studied for a Bachelor's Degree in Energy Engineering and his Master's studies in Renewable Energies at the Polytechnic University of Chiapas. In addition, he graduated with a Ph.D. in Mathematical Physical Sciences with a concentration in Nanosciences from the University of Guadalajara. During his postgraduate studies, he made academic stays at the Institute of Renewable Energies of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Then, he did a postdoctoral stay at the Center for Engineering Research in Applied Sciences of the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos. He has teaching experience with bachelor's and master's degrees. He has research papers published in journals indexed on the Web of Science and has been a referee in various international journals. He has participated in 10 international and 10 national congresses. He currently works as Research Professor at the Institute of Energy Studies at the Universidad del Istmo in Santo Domingo Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. He has experience in the design and dimensioning of isolated photovoltaic systems interconnected to the network and in their installation. In particular, his research line is focused on synthesizing and characterization of nanomaterials applied to developing 2nd- and 3rd-generation solar cells; he also performs simulation solar cells for the analysis and optimization of efficiencies. He belongs to the National System of Investigators.

Dr. Isaac Montoya de Los Santos

Dr. Isaac Montoya de Los Santos

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