Comparison of SnO2 and CdSe Buffer Layers for Sb2Se3 Thin Film Solar Cells

We explore the deposition of Sb2Se3 by thermal evaporation on both Cd-based and Cd-free buffer layers for superstrate configuration thin film solar cells, drawing a comparison between CdSe and SnO2. Building upon our previous investigation of CdSe as an alternative buffer layer, this study compares the application of CdSe and SnO2 to the growth of Sb2Se3 and subsequent device performance. SnO2 emerges as a possible choice, offering higher transparency and stability, and absorber growth with larger grain size. The SnO2 configuration demonstrates a higher current density and a slightly higher efficiency.