Thin-Film Photovoltaics: Constituents and Devices

Dear Colleagues,

As a researcher that focuses on thin-film materials for photovoltaic (PV), sensing, photocatalytic and other optoelectronic applications, I have observed a conceptual opportunity for joining a plethora of similar reports under the frame of a new Topic, “Thin-Film Photovoltaics: Constituents and Devices”. Existing journals often host PV-related reports, though with limited PV recognition. I am confident that this Topic can foster visibility for reports related to thin-film solar cells. Thin-film (TF) PV systems are of particular interest as they struggle in their transition from fundamental research into commercially available solutions. Generally, TFPVs are cheap but with limited efficiencies, so to boost the extent of the ongoing early stage research grouping of reports (theoretical and experimental) on TFPV science, as well as TFPV constituents, processing, modeling and performance, a favorable strategy arises for advancing the in-depth understanding of the mechanisms behind the design of PV systems and TF constituents. Particularly preferred are reports that condense interdisciplinary information, corroborating well with the complex multidisciplinary technical nature of emerging TFPV systems. The Topic aims to publish research relevant to TFPV: (1) design—novel compositions, compounds, morphologies, structures, concepts, modeling; (2) synthesis—new routes and modifications, constituents, development, and post-processing; (3) deposition—new routes, modifications, tools, and development; (4) characterization—techniques monitoring (micro)structural, optoelectronic, thermodynamic, and other materials’ repercussions, including novel or particularly complex in situ or in operando multi-technique experiments; (5) compatibility—interfacing issues (surface compatibility, boundary conditions); (6) functionality—performance, testing, and stability. Subsections: o Preparation and characterization of general TFPV constituent materials and layers o Perovskite TF solar cells (PSC) o Organic TF photovoltaics (OPV) o Quantum dot TF solar cells (QDSC) o CIGS, CZTS, CdTe TF photovoltaics o Dye-sensitized TF solar cells (DSSC) o Modeling and computing TF performance

Dr. Vilko Mandić
Dr. Ivana Panžić
Dr. Ivana Capan
Dr. Luka Pavić
Topic Editors