Article

Researchers at Chonnam National University in South Korea developed a tin monosulfide (SnS) solar cell with a power conversion efficiency of 4.81%, improved from 3.7%. The enhancement results from a germanium oxide layer deposited at the rear contact interface to optimize charge transport.

Despite SnS being a promising, abundant material, achieving efficiencies above 5% has been challenging. The device stack included soda lime glass, molybdenum, germanium oxide, SnS absorber, cadmium sulfide buffer layer, and zinc oxide layers.

The vapor transport deposition method used helped reduce electrical losses and improve grain uniformity. Stability tests showed the device maintained over 96% of its initial efficiency after three months. The researchers aim to further improve SnS technology for practical photovoltaic applications.