Enhancing the value of environment-friendly CZTS compound for next generation photovoltaic device: A review

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) is considered a solar cell material alternative to CuInGaSe₂ (CIGS); they have almost the same performance; except for power conversion efficiency (PCE). CZTS is stable beyond organic solar cells. Considering it's low-cost and eco-friendly, CZTS has become one of the best candidates to replace Si-, GaAs- and Cd-based solar cells in the marketplace. By using an appropriate fabrication strategy, CZTS solar cells could be transformed into wearable devices. Thus, a comprehensive study on how to boost the CZTS solar cell's performance is very crucial to increase their value. In this review, we compile information and strategy to increase the PCE of the CZTS solar cell and how to transform it into wearable devices. It starts from the explanation of CZTS's structure and properties up to their development in the next-generation of solar cell devices. A proper choice of eco-friendly complement layer in CZTS solar cells is presented. The recent fabrication together with the green synthesis approach is also explained. We also propose a plausible strategy for the commercialization and waste management of CZTS solar cells. We believe that the present article paves the way for increasing the realization of CZTS solar cells in the market.