CuIn1−xGaxSe2-based photovoltaic cells from electrodeposited precursor films

We have developed an electrodeposition bath based on a buffer solution so that the stability of the electrodeposition process is enhanced and no metal oxides or hydroxides precipitate out of solution. The buffer-solution-based bath also deposits more gallium in the precursor films. As-deposited precursors are stoichiometric or slightly Cu-rich CuIn_1−xGa_xSe₂. Only a minimal amount of indium was added to the electrodeposited precursor films by physical vapor deposition to obtain a 9.4%-efficient device.