Researchers at UNAM studied variable bandgap solar cells in Mexico

Researchers from the Institute of Renewable Energies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, published a study in TIB Open Publishing. The study focused on solar cells and prototype modules using variable bandgap antimony sulfide selenide (Sb2SxSe3-x) thin films. It examined antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) with a bandgap of 1.88 eV and antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) with a bandgap of 1.1 eV. These materials formed thin films with a variable bandgap ranging from 1.1 to 1.88 eV through chemical deposition. Researchers adjusted the ratio of selenosulfate to thioacetamide in the deposition process. This adjustment produced thin films with bandgaps of 1.58 eV and 1.31 eV. Solar cells using these films achieved efficiencies of 1.52% and 5.32%, respectively, while a combined variable bandgap film improved efficiency to 6%. A prototype module with six series-connected cells yielded 4% efficiency under standard conditions. The research demonstrated that chemical deposition can be used to produce variable bandgap Sb2SxSe3-x solar modules, with potential for further enhancement.