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Controlling back-contact interface behavior in efficient CZTSSe solar cells via regulating the selenization reaction kinetics
Nano Research 2026, 19(2): 94908034
Published: 16 January 2026
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Kesterite Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) presents a promising low-cost and sustainable photovoltaic material. However, its performance is critically hindered by uncontrollable complex crystallization during high-temperature selenization and the detrimental formation of a MoSe2 back contact layer, which induces significant carrier recombination losses, imposing severe limitations on open-circuit voltage (VOC) and fill factor (FF). Addressing the challenge of achieving high-quality CZTSSe absorbers and interfaces, this study introduces a novel thermal modulation strategy during selenization. By optimizing nucleation and crystallization through a controlled slow heating stage—distinct from conventional sustained high-temperature processes—this method yields more uniform CZTSSe grains, effectively suppresses runaway growth of the interfacial MoSe2 layer, and inhibits absorber decomposition at the interface. Consequently, interface defect density is substantially reduced, leading to enhanced carrier transport properties. Devices fabricated using this method within the Cu2+–Sn2+–N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) precursor system achieved a significant power conversion efficiency (PCE) increase from 8.02% to 11.65%, driven by a VOC rise from 409 to 489 mV and a substantial FF enhancement from 54.34% to 63.63%. Furthermore, the method demonstrates excellent process compatibility, achieving PCEs of 13.72% and 13.81% in Cu+–Sn4+–DMF and Cu+–Sn4+–methoxyethanol (MOE) systems, respectively. This work underscores the crucial importance of the CZTSSe/Mo interface and provides new insights and pathways for fabricating high-quality absorbers and efficient kesterite solar cells.

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