Quasi-1D materials for advanced thin-film photovoltaics

LIGHTCELL aims at developing innovative architectures for thin-film photovoltaics (TF-PV) utilizing inorganic, environmentally stable (Sb2X3, X=S, Se) materials and sustainable fabrication processes with reduced energy consumption. Sb2X3 can be synthesized in a quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) form, addressing the main factors limiting the efficiency of TF-PV, i.e., recombination of the photogenerated carriers at the grain boundaries. A multidisciplinary consortium of academic and industrial partners aims at developing a scalable technology of sustainable, cost-efficient, and lightweight PV. For faster feedback loop to synthesis, a new tool for the rapid and non-destructive mapping of 2D and 3D crystallographic orientation of quasi-1D materials will be developed. The PV technology developed in LIGHTCELL will be validated in demonstrators by the industrial partners, targeting lightweight building-integrated PV applications, contributing to sustainable green energy production.

Objective: LIGHTCELL aims to demonstrate a new generation of all inorganic, environmentally-friendly and stable, quasi-1D Sb2S(Se)3 solar cells featuring efficiencies beyond state of the art, providing a green alternative to the commercial CdTe thin-film solar cells.

Aimed results:

1. To develop novel strategies for synthesizing solar absorbers with vertical quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) motifs and intrinsically passive GBs (1D-Sb2S(Se)3);
2. To implement rapid, non-destructive polarized Raman microscopy for 2D and 3D crystallographic orientation mapping of solar absorbers;
3. To demonstrate all inorganic solar cell devices based on quasi-1D absorbers with efficiency up to 15% on a lab scale and 10% on a large-scale produced in an industrial environment.

Coordinator:  Technical University of Denmark (Dr. Stela Canulescu)

Partner 1: LightNovo APS (Dr. Oleksii Ilchenko)

Partner 2: National Institute of Material Physics (Dr. Cristina Besleaga Stan)

Partner 3: Tallinn University of Technology (Prof. Maarja Grossberg)

Partner 4: DGIST (Dr. Dae-Hwan Kim)

Partner 5: ULTECH (Dr. Dae-Young Kong)

 

National Institute of Material Physics team:

  1. Cristina Besleaga Stan
  2. Aurelian Catalin Galca
  3. Alin Velea
  4. Ioana Pintilie
  5. George Stan
  6. Iosif-Daniel Simandan
  7. Outman El Khouja
  8. Andrei Tomulescu
  9. Viorica Stancu
  10. Iulia Corina Ciobotaru
  11. Vasilica Toma
  12. Bocirnea Amelia-Elena
  13. Sara Laafar
  14. Lucia Leonat
  15. Claudiu-Alexandru Pescaru
  16. Abdessamad EL Kanouny

The kickoff meeting took place at DTU, Danmark, on 25 August 2023.

Kick-off meeting

On 19.04.2024, we had our 6 months meeting at NIMP, Romania, where we had the perfect opportunity to exchange personal and professional ideas with our partners from Denmark (DTU, LightNovo), Estonia (TALT), and South Korea (DIGST, ULTECH).

On 23.09.2024, we had our 12 months meeting at TALT, Estonia, where we meet our partners from Denmark (DTU, LightNovo), Estonia (TALT), and South Korea (DIGST, ULTECH). The research progress was presented and discussed.

In March 2025, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with the ERANET-M-3-ERANET-LightCell project partners organized in Copenhagen, Denmark by the DTU project coordinator.

In September 2025, Dr. Cristina Beșleagă and Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the INCDFM LightCell team, at the biannual meeting with the partners of the ERANET-M-3-ERANET-LightCell project organized by DIGST in Daegu, South Korea.

In February 2026, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with project partners organized in Copenhagen, Denmark by the DTU project coordinator.

In June 2026, Dr. Cristina Beșleagă, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă and PhD student Abdessamad El Kanouny, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with project partners organized by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia.

Stage 1/2024

Thin Sb2S3 films were obtained through RF magnetron sputtering (MS-RF) at temperatures ranging from RT to 300°C. To improve the structural properties, the Sb2S3 films were treated under various conditions: i) in a two-zone tubular furnace, in a nitrogen flow and in the presence of sulfur; ii) in a glove-box, in a nitrogen atmosphere, on a hot plate; iii) on a hot plate, in a nitrogen flow and in the presence of sulfur. The impact of the substrate on the morphological, structural, optical, and electrical properties of Sb2S3 was studied. Solar cells based on Sb2S3 were fabricated both in substrate and superstrate configurations.

Deliverables:

  1. Detailed Research Report: Description of the processes used to obtain thin Sb2S3 films by RF magnetron sputtering, including details on post-deposition processing conditions (types of treatments, temperatures, etc.).
  2. Morphological and Structural Characterization Studies: Images and descriptions of the film structures (SEM, AFM), X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray reflectometry.
  3. Optical and Electrical Characterization Studies: Measurements of the absorption spectrum of the Sb2S3 films. Determination of the transport mechanism through Thermally Stimulated Current (TSC) measurements.
  4. Comparison Tables and Graphs: Comparison of the properties of films treated under different conditions (temperatures, atmosphere, substrate type).
  5. Prototype Solar Cells Based on Sb2S3: Description of the solar cell configurations fabricated (substrate versus superstrate). Solar cell performance (I-V characteristics, quantum efficiency).
  6. Database with Experimental Results: A database containing detailed measurements and observations that can be referred to for future studies.

Outcome Indicators:

  • 11 deposition sessions, totaling 65 samples.
  • Crystallized Sb2S3 films with: i) orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma-62), thicknesses of ~100 nm, ~300 nm, and ~600 nm; densities ranging from 4.9 to 5.2 g/cm3.
  • 248 solar cells with superstrate architecture.
  • 32 solar cells with substrate architecture.
  • 8 MoS2 and MoSe2 films.
  • 3 films on silicon substrates and 11 films on quartz substrates.

Dissemination of Results: • Several meetings were organized among the project team members to identify new approaches for issues encountered. The project team also participated in monthly consortium meetings organized by the coordinator (DTU). During these meetings, each partner (including INCDFM) presented the progress made.

Stage 2/2025

Stage 2 consisted of three major sub-activities, each fully completed (100% completion rate).

Activity 2.1 – Optimization of deposition conditions for obtaining uniform Sb2X3 (X = S and/or Se) thin films on large-area substrates

Completed: Deposition of Sb2X3 (X = S, Se) thin films on large substrates: 10 × 2.5 cm by RF magnetron co-sputtering, and 5 × 5 cm by spin-coating, achieving thickness uniformity of up to ~95%.

Activity 2.2 – Determination and correlation of structural, electrical, and optical properties of the obtained Sb2X3 (X = S and/or Se) layers

Completed: The obtained Sb2X3 films were analyzed structurally, electrically, and optically, and the results were correlated to optimize the fabrication process. Adjusting the composition toward optimal stoichiometry and identifying electrically active defects using DLTS (Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy) are key steps for achieving high-performance solar cells.

Activity 2.3 – Fabrication of solar cells with optimized Sb2X3 (X = S and/or Se) absorber layer and evaluation of photovoltaic characteristics

Completed: Solar cells with optimized Sb2X3 absorber layers were fabricated and their performance was evaluated. Cells based on Sb2X3 deposited by RF magnetron sputtering showed external conversion efficiencies (PCE) below 1%; cells based on solution-processed Sb2S3, deposited by spin-coating, reached PCE values between 3% and 5.3%. The maximum efficiency was achieved after optimizing the interface between Sb2S3 and the hole-transport layer (P3HT).

Activity 2.4 – Management and dissemination

Completed: The project team participated in internal meetings as well as consortium meetings organized monthly by the coordinator (DTU). Seven articles indexed in Web of Science were published, and one article was submitted for publication in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. Team members contributed to work presented at 13 international conferences. The project also included educational activities: five PhD students carried out research internships on topics related to solar cells.

Stage 3/2026

Activity 3.1 – Production of solar cells with innovative architecture.
Achieved: Solar cells were fabricated on the template substrates developed by the partners of the LightCell consortium: glass/Mo-MoS2 and glass/Mo-MoSe2. The morphology and crystalline structure of the substrate materials used, as well as of the antimony sulfide deposited on top of them, were analysed by SEM microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The photovoltaic response of the fabricated cells, with the architecture glass/Mo-MoS2 (Mo-MoSe2)/Sb2S3/CdS/ZnO/ITO/Au, was investigated. The very low values of ISC, VOC and FF led to a nearly zero external power conversion efficiency (PCE), with the Mo-MoSe2-based device nevertheless showing slightly higher values than the Mo-MoS2-based one. Similar results were also obtained by the project coordinator (DTU) when using this type of template substrate (Mo-MoS2 and Mo-MoSe2) and Sb2S3, so it was decided within the consortium to use other types of support materials for Sb2S3 and, consequently, the INCDFM team focused on optimising the cells on a glass/FTO/TiO2 substrate.
Activity 3.2 – Correlation of the structural properties of the Sb2X3 (X = S and/or Se) absorber layer with the photovoltaic characteristics of the corresponding solar cells.
Achieved: The structural properties of the Sb2X3 absorber layer were investigated for all types of materials developed within the project and then correlated with the photovoltaic response of the devices in which they were integrated. The study through which Sb2S3 films with different crystalline orientations were obtained led to the conclusion that a preferential growth along the [311] direction of Sb2S3 leads to better solar cell performance.
Activity 3.3 – Stability study of Sb2X3 (X = S and/or Se)-based solar cells.
Achieved: Stability tests under different storage conditions showed that high humidity (up to 100%) had a minimal immediate impact on device performance. In contrast, devices stored in an ultra-dry environment over several weeks exhibited changes: JSC decreased gradually, while VOC showed a non-linear evolution. DLTS measurements made it possible to track the evolution of certain defect levels and their impact on the photovoltaic performance. It was demonstrated that a moderate thermal treatment at 60 °C, as well as storage under low humidity, causes a significant change in the concentration of certain defect levels. It was observed that cells with a high initial PCE exhibited a higher density of the defect with an activation energy of 0.1 eV, suggesting that this defect plays a beneficial role in both the operation and the stability of the device.
Activity 3.4 – Management and dissemination.
Achieved: The project team took part in internal meetings as well as in the consortium meetings organised monthly by the coordinator (DTU). Two Web of Science-indexed articles were published and three articles were submitted for publication: two in Solar Energy and one in Optical Materials. Team members contributed to the works presented at 11 international conferences.

Research stages of team members abroad:

  1. Abdessamad EL KANOUNY (Ph.D. student), 07.02-13.02.2026, Summer School “Quanstol winter school on Analytics for Photovoltaics and Photoelectrochemistry” organizată de Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) și The European Society for Quantum Solar Energy Conversion, Kleinwalsertal, Austria.
  2. Abdessamad EL KANOUNY work stage at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain, în perioada 12.09-27.09.2025, I–V Characterization of Photovoltaic Cells for Indoor Applications under Controlled Light Conditions.
  3. Dr. Sara Laafar participated in the NanoFabMat 2024 Summer School to expand her knowledge related to the fabrication of electronic and opto-electronic devices.

Research stages of foreign young researchers at NIMP:

  1. Pakidame BOUNDJA, (Ph.D. student, Eugen Ionescu scholarship – AUF/MAE), University of Lomé, Lomé, Togo, (06.05.-30.07.2026), Optimization of Perovskite/Sb2S3 Double Absorber for High-Performance Solar Cells
  2. Ali AMANAT (PhD student), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, South Korea, (03.-24.03.2026), Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy (DLTS) on chalcogenide based thin-film photovoltaics
  3. Achmad NASYORI (PhD student), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), Tallinn, Estonia, (14.-20.12.2025), Development of solution-processed kesterite absorbers for thin film solar cells
  4. Messaoud TAMIN (PhD student, COST https://renewpv.eu/ mobility), University of Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria, & Bourgogne Europe University, Dijon, France, (16.08.–30.09.2025), Semi-transparent wide band gap kesterite solar cells for indoor and tandem applications
  5. Selina KERN (PhD student, COST https://renewpv.eu/ mobility), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, (13.-26.06.2025), Advancements in all-inorganic cadmium-free antimony sulfide solar cells
  6. Katharina Elena DEHM (PhD student, COST https://renewpv.eu/ mobility), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, (13.-26.06.2025), All-inorganic antimony sulfide solar cells using CuInS2 quantum dots for hole extraction and transport
  7. Rayene MERAH (PhD student, COST https://renewpv.eu/ mobility), University Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria, (31.05-18.08.2025), Optimisation of the performance of spray-deposited Sb2S3 absorbing thin films: Enhancing efficiency in photovoltaic devices
  8. Nouhaila BENAISSA, Chouaïb Doukkali University, El Jadida, Maroc (12.05.–29.07.2025), Solution deposited Sb2S3 light absorbing thin films: enhancing efficiency in photovoltaic devices
  9. Messaoud TAMIN (PhD student, CIFRA/ICTP grant), University of Ferhat Abbas Setif 1, Sétif, Algeria, (01.05.–30.07.2025), Development of wide-bandgap chalcogenide devices for advanced photovoltaic applications
  10. Annabel SAAR (B.Sc. student), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), Tallinn, Estonia, (10.-15.11.2024), Development of Low-Cost, Environmentally-Friendly Kesterite-Based Solar Cells
  11. Marc Dolcet SADURNI (Ph.D. student), Tallinn University of Technology (TALTECH), Tallinn, Estonia, (10. -15.11.2024), Characterization of 1-D Antimony Chalcohalides
  12. Messaoud TAMIN (Ph.D. student, Eugen Ionescu scholarship – AUF/MAE), Bourgogne Europe University, Dijon, France (15.09.–14.12.2024), Towards the development of semiconductors and wide-bandgap chalcogenide devices for advanced photovoltaic applications
  13. Nikola ILIĆ (https://renewpv.eu/ STSM), Vinča Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia, (05.-30.08.2024), Characterization of Sb2S3, Cu-doped Sb2S3 and CuSbS2 powders and fabrication and testing of solar cells
  14. Rkia ELOTMANI (Ph.D. student, https://renewpv.eu/ STSM), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco, (14.07-10.10.2024), Development of Low-Cost, Environmentally-Friendly Kesterite-Based Solar Cells
  15. Lorenza ROMAGNOLI (https://renewpv.eu/ STSM), Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, (12.07-24.08.2024), Electrical characterization of BaZrS3, BaHfS3 and their solid solutions
  16. Rim SAYED (Ph.D. student), Ibn Tofal University, Kenitra, Morocco, (15.06.2024–13.09.2024), Engineering electron transport layers and interfaces for boosting the efficiency of emergent inorganic solar cells
  17. Abdessamad EL KANOUNY (Ph.D. student), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco, (10.05.-30.07.2024), Synthesis and characterization of ternary SnSe1-xSx thin-film materials for solar cells at low cost and low environmental impact.
  1. C. Besleaga^,*, V. Stancu^, A. El Kanouny^, S. Laafar^, I.C. Ciobotaru^, A.E. Bocirnea^, L.N. Leonat^, C.A. Pescaru^, I.D. Simandan^, A.G. Tomulescu^, G.E. Stan^, I. Pintilie^, A.C. Galca^; Intrinsic and extrinsic stability factors in Sb2S3-x - based solar cells; MATERIALS & DESIGN 264 (2026) 115733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2026.115733 , WOS:001714483100001
  2.  O. El Khouja^, YC. Gong*, A. Jimenez-Arguijo, I. Assahsahi, I. Caño, H. Goniotakis, O. Segura-Blanch, A. Navarro Güell, C. Radu, L. Calvo-Barrio, S. Girlado, M. Placidi, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, A. C. Galca^,*, E. Saucedo*; 6% Efficient solution-processed Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cells via cation substitutions and Li doping; JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A 14 (2026) 12896-12907. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5TA07702H ; WOS:001695598000001
  3. M. Tamin, O. El Khouja^, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, A. E. Bocirnea^, I. Assahsahi, D. Chaumont, A. C. Galca^,*; Towards a wide bandgap absorber: structural, morphological, and optical investigation of Ag-alloyed Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films; SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS 9 (2025) 6751-6760. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5SE01303H , WOS:001604051600001
  4. A. El Kanouny^, R. Elotmani, A. El Manouni*, O. El Khouja^, I. Assahsahi, A. Almaggoussi, A. C. Galca^,*; Electrodeposition of SnSe nanosheets: Effect of deposition potential on structural, morphological, and optical properties; APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING 131 (2025) 979. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-025-09116-3 , WOS:001613993500004
  5.  O. El Khouja^, B. Popescu, I. Assahsahi, C. C. Negrila, L. N. Leonat^, K. Nouneh, M. Ebn Touhami, A. Galatanu, A. C. Galca^,*, Improved sulfurization process for enhancing the microstructure and transport properties of spray pyrolysis-deposited Cu2ZnSnS4 films, CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL 51 (2025) 47818-47829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.08.041 , WOS:001598072200023
  6. E. Gilshtein#,*, H. M. Gupta#, A. M. P. Enevoldsen#, C. Besleaga^, A. C. Galca^, S. Canulescu#,*, Superstrate structured Sb2S3 thin-film solar cells by magnetron sputtering of Sb and post-sulfurization, MATERIALS & DESIGN 258 (2025) 114621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2025.114621 , WOS:001598415900002
  7.  M. Dolcet Sadurni*, K. Timmo, V. Mikli, J. Krustok, M. Danilson, A. Suchodolskis, C. Radu, A. E. Bocirnea^, A. C. Galca^, M. Grossberg-Kuusk#, M. Kauk-Kuusik#, Effects of cationic substitution on the properties of Sb1-xBixSeI (x = 0–1) compounds, JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS 1037 (2025) 182292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.182292 , WOS:001555424600003
  8.  O. El Khouja^, YC. Gong, A. Jimenez-Arguijo, M. J. Guerra, A. Gon Medaille, R. Scaffidi, A. Basak, C. Radu, D. Flandre, B. Vermang, S. Giraldo, M. Placidi, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, A. C. Galca^,*, E. Saucedo*, Exploring the Synthesis of Cu2(Zn, Cd)SnS4 at High Temperatures as a Route for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells, PROGRESS IN PHOTOVOLTAICS 33 (2025) 628-643. https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3899 , WOS:001436702700001
  9. I. C. Ciobotaru^, C. C. Ciobotaru, C. Bartha, M. Enculescu, M. Secu, S. Polosan*, C. Besleaga^,*, Phase Transitions in Dimer/Layered Sb-Based Hybrid Halide Perovskites: An In-Depth Analysis of Structural and Spectroscopic Properties; ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS 13 (2025) 202402242. https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202402242 , WOS:001395486300001

Note: *corresponding author; ^member of the LightCell - INCDFM team; #member of the LightCell partners team.

3 scientific articles submitted for publication:

  1. Besleaga*, A. El Kanouny, V. Stancu, S. Laafar, L. N. Leonat, A. C. Galca; Carrier multiplication in TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT solar cells; trimis spre publicare la Optical Materialss.
  2. Stancu, A. El Kanouny, S. Laafar, A.G. Tomulescu, L. Trupina, C. Besleaga, A.C. Galca, L.N. Leonat*; Partially replacing DMF with eco-friendly solvents in the fabrication of Sb2S3 photoactive layers for solar cells; trimis spre publicare la Solar Energy.
  3. El Kanouny, V. Stancu, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar, A.G. Tomulescu, O. El Khouja, L.N. Leonat, A. E. Bocirnea, C. Radu, A. Almaggoussi, Z. J. Li-Kao, C. Besleaga, E. Saucedo, A. C. Gâlcă*; Interface engineering of the ETL/SnS junction for enhaced thin-film solar cell performance; trimis spre publicare la Solar Energy.
  1. R. Merah*, A. El Kanouny^, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, M. Tamin, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, W. Darenfad, A.C. Galca^, Interface Engineering of TiO2/Sb2S3 Thin Film Solar Cells Deposited by Spray Pyrolysis, International Symposium on Dielectric Materials and Applications (ISyDMA), 10th edition, https://isydma10.utm.md/ , Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, 01.-04.07.2026 (oral).
  2. M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, I. Assahsahi, S. Lafaar^, C. Besleaga^, D. Chaumont, A.C. Galca^, Tailoring the Properties of CZTS Thin Films through Cation Substitution and Thermal Annealing, International Symposium on Dielectric Materials and Applications (ISyDMA), 10th edition, https://isydma10.utm.md/ , Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, 01.-04.07.2026 (oral).
  3. El Kanouny*,^, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, A. Almaggoussi, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, Interface Engineering and Absorber Quality Control in Tin Sulfide-Based Hybrid Photovoltaic Devices, International Symposium on Dielectric Materials and Applications (ISyDMA), 10th edition, https://isydma10.utm.md/ , Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, 01.-04.07.2026 (oral).
  4. A.C. Galca*,^, Emerging Chalcogenides for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Applications, International Symposium on Dielectric Materials and Applications (ISyDMA), 10th edition, https://isydma10.utm.md/ , Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, 01.-04.07.2026 (invitat).
  5. M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, A.E. Bocirnea^, I. Assahsahi, S. Lafaar^, C. Besleaga^, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, E. Saucedo, D. Chaumont, A.C. Galca^, Wide-Bandgap CZTS Absorbers for Emerging Solar Technologies: Integrating Substrate Engineering, Silver Alloying and Alkali Co-Doping, 16th European Kesterite+ and 4th ReNewPV Conference, https://renewpv.eu/4th-renewpv-16th-european-kesterite-conference/ , Tallinn, Estonia, 17.-19.06.2026 (oral).
  6. A.C. Galca*,^, A. El Kanouny^, V. Stancu^, R. Merah, M. Tamin, S. Laafar^, A.E. Bocirnea^, L.N. Leonat^, C. Radu, A.G. Tomulescu^, E. Gilshtein#, G.E. Stan^, S. Canulescu#, I. Pintilie^, C. Besleaga^, Sb2S3 Based Superstrate Solar Cells: Performance, Reproducibility and Stability, 16th European Kesterite+ and 4th ReNewPV Conference, https://renewpv.eu/4th-renewpv-16th-european-kesterite-conference/ , Tallinn, Estonia, 17.-19.06.2026 (oral).
  7.  N. Ilić*, I. Validžić, C. Radu, A.C. Galca^, Structure and microstructure of hot-injec on synthesized powders in Cu-Sb-S system, 16th European Kesterite+ and 4th ReNewPV Conference, https://renewpv.eu/4th-renewpv-16th-european-kesterite-conference/ , Tallinn, Estonia, 17.-19.06.2026 (oral).
  8.  El Kanouny*,^, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, O. El Khouja, L.N. Leonat^, A.E. Bocirnea^, C. Radu, A. Almaggoussi, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, C. Besleaga^, E. Saucedo, A.C. Galca^, Interface Engineering and Absorber Optimization in SnS-Based Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices, 16th European Kesterite+ and 4th ReNewPV Conference, https://renewpv.eu/4th-renewpv-16th-european-kesterite-conference/ , Tallinn, Estonia, 17.-19.06.2026 (poster).
  9. R. Merah*, A. El Kanouny^, E. Gilshtein#, M. Tamin, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, S. Canulescu#, W. Darenfad, A.C. Galca^, Role of CdS Interface Layer in Sb2S3 Solar Cells Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis, 16th European Kesterite+ and 4th ReNewPV Conference, https://renewpv.eu/4th-renewpv-16th-european-kesterite-conference/ , Tallinn, Estonia, 17.-19.06.2026 (poster).
  10.  El Kanouny*,^, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, O. El Khouja, L.N. Leonat^, A.E. Bocirnea^, C. Radu, A. Almaggoussi, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, C. Besleaga^, E. Saucedo, A.C. Galca^, Effect of TiO2/SnS Interface Modification on the Performance of Solution-Processed SnS Hybrid Solar Cells, EMRS 2026 SPRING MEETING & EXHIBIT, https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2026-spring-meeting-exhibit , symposium G. Future photovoltaics based on earth abundant materials, https://www.european-mrs.com/future-photovoltaics-based-earth-abundant-materials-ii-emrs , Strasbourg, France, 25.-29.05.2026 (oral).
  11.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, A.E. Bocirnea^, I. Assahsahi, C. Besleaga^, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, E. Saucedo, D. Chaumont, A.C. Galca^, Engineering the Optoelectronic Properties of Wide-Bandgap Cu2ZnSnS4 via Ag Substitution, Na-Li Co-doping, and Thermal Annealing, EMRS 2026 SPRING MEETING & EXHIBIT, https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2026-spring-meeting-exhibit , symposium G. Future photovoltaics based on earth abundant materials, https://www.european-mrs.com/future-photovoltaics-based-earth-abundant-materials-ii-emrs , Strasbourg, France, 25.-29.05.2026 (oral).
  12.  Merah*, A. El Kanouny^, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, M. Tamin, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, W. Darenfad, A.C. Galca^, Effect of Precursor Chemistry and Thermal Treatment on Sb2S3 Solar Cells Fabricated by Vacuum Spray Pyrolysis, EMRS 2026 SPRING MEETING & EXHIBIT, https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2026-spring-meeting-exhibit , symposium G. Future photovoltaics based on earth abundant materials, https://www.european-mrs.com/future-photovoltaics-based-earth-abundant-materials-ii-emrs , Strasbourg, France, 25.-29.05.2026 (oral).
  13.  D. Untila*, D. Rusnac, G. Colibaba, C. Radu, A.E. Bocirnea^, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, N. Spalatu, Homogeneous Sb2(S,Se)3 solid-solution ingots for controlled congruent sublimation by Close-Spaced Sublimation, EMRS 2026 SPRING MEETING & EXHIBIT, https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2026-spring-meeting-exhibit , symposium G. Future photovoltaics based on earth abundant materials, https://www.european-mrs.com/future-photovoltaics-based-earth-abundant-materials-ii-emrs , Strasbourg, France, 25.-29.05.2026 (poster).
  14.  C. Besleaga^, A. El Kanouny^, V. Stancu^, N. Benaissa, E. Gilshtein#, S. Laafar^, I. C. Ciobotaru^, A.E. Bocirnea^, S. Moosi Govindharajulu, L.N. Leonat^, C.A. Pescaru^, C. Radu, I.F. Mercioniu, A.G. Tomulescu^, C. Tamin, G.E. Stan^, S. Canulescu#, I. Pintilie^, A.C. Galca*,^, Governing Factors on the Performance, Reproducibility and Stability of Sb2S3 solar cells, EMRS 2026 SPRING MEETING & EXHIBIT, https://www.european-mrs.com/meetings/2026-spring-meeting-exhibit , symposium A. Thin-film chalcogenide materials for PV and solar energy conversion, https://www.european-mrs.com/thin-film-chalcogenide-materials-pv-and-solar-energy-conversion-emrs , Strasbourg, France, 25.-29.05.2026 (poster).
  15.  A.E. Bocirnea*, C. Besleaga^, V. Stancu^, A. El Kanouny^, S. Laafar^, I.C. Ciobotaru^, L.N. Leonat^, C.A. Pescaru^, I.D. Simandan^, A.G. Tomulescu^, G.E. Stan^, I. Pintilie^, A.C. Galca^, The importance of XPS in the analysis of the dopants in solar cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (poster).
  16.  C. Radu*, I. Mercioniu, A. C. Galca^, A.B. Suseela, D. Untila, N. Spalatu, Morphological and structural analysis of Sb2(S,Se)3 thin films based solar cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (poster).
  17.  V. Stancu*,^, A. El Kanouny^, S. Laafar^, L.N. Leonat^, M. Baleanu, A.G. Tomulescu^, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, Impact of hole transport layers on the performance of Sb₂S₃ solar cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (poster).
  18.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, I. Assahsahi, C. Besleaga^, D. Chaumont, A.C. Galca^, Tuning the Optoelectronic Properties of Wide-Bandgap Cu2ZnSnS4 by Silver Substitution, Sodium and Lithium Co-Doping and Thermal Annealing, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (oral).
  19.  A. El Kanouny*,^, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, O. El Khouja, L.N. Leonat^, A.E. Bocirnea^, C. Radu, A. Almaggoussi, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, C. Besleaga^, E. Saucedo, A.C. Galca^, Interface Engineering of the TiO2/SnS Junction for Enhanced Thin-Film Solar Cell Performance, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (oral).
  20.  R. Merah*, A. El Kanouny^, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, M. Tamin, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, W. Darenfad, A.C. Galca^, Effect of TiO2 Electron Transport Layer architecture on Spray Pyrolysis Deposited Sb2S3 Thin Films for Solar Cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (oral).
  21.  C. Besleaga^,*, V. Stancu^, A.El Kanouny^, S. Laafar^, I.C. Ciobotaru^, A.E. Bocirnea^, L.N. Leonat^, C.A. Pescaru^, I.D. Simandan^, A.G. Tomulescu^, G.E. Stan^, I. Pintilie^, A.C. Galca^; Intrinsic and extrinsic stability factors in Sb2S3-x - based solar cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (oral).
  22.  N. Leonat*,^, V. Stancu^, A. El Kanouny^, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, From Toxic to Sustainable: Low-Toxicity Solvent Strategies for High-Performance Sb2S3 Solar Cells, RenewPV Workshop " Interfaces in Emerging Chalcogenide Based Solar Cells ", COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.infim.ro/ , Magurele, Romania, 23.-24.04.2026 (oral).
  23.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja^, D. Chaumont, M. Guemmaz, C. Tamin, A.E. Bocirnea^, A.C. Galca^, Substitution cationique et traitement thermique de (AgxCu1-x)2ZnSnS4 : vers des absorbeurs à large bande interdite pour le photovoltaïque tandem et indoor, Journées Nationales du PhotoVoltaïque 2025 (JNPV), https://jnpv.geeps.centralesupelec.fr/ , Strasbourg, France, 04.-07.11.2025 (poster).
  24.  R. Merah, N. Benaissa, A. El Kanouny^, M. Tamin, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, W. Darenfad, A.C. Galca^,*, Influence des paramètres de dépots et du recuit sur les cellules solaires à couches minces de Sb2S3 par pulvérisation pyrolytique sous vide, 4eme édition du Symposium de la recherche scientifique francophone en Europe centrale et orientale, https://srsf-eco.auf.org/ , Iași, Romania, 30.-31.10.2025 (oral).
  25.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja^, A.C. Galca^, Substitution cationique dans (Ag,Cu)2ZnSnS4 : vers des absorbeur à large bande interdite, 4eme édition du Symposium de la recherche scientifique francophone en Europe centrale et orientale, https://srsf-eco.auf.org/ , Iași, Romania, 30.-31.10.2025 (oral).
  26.  N. Ilić*, C. Radu, T. Barudžija, A.C. Galca^, I. Validžić, Synthesis and characterization of Sb2S3 nanoparticles for application as absorber in solar cells, 5th International Meeting on Materials Science for Energy Related Applications (5IMMSERA), https://www.ffh.bg.ac.rs/5immsera/ , Belgrade, Serbia, 25.-26.09.2025 (oral).
  27.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja^, D. Chaumont, M. Guemmaz, A.E. Bocirnea^, A.C. Galca^, Tuning the Optoelectronic Properties of CZTS Thin Films via Ag Alloying for Next-Generation Tandem and Indoor Photovoltaics, Nanotechnology for Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics (NEXTGEN 2025), https://www.irec.cat/press-society/events/nextgen/ , Palma, Mallorca, Spain, 09.-12.09.2025 (oral).
  28.  A. El Kanouny^,*, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, C.A. Pescaru^, S. Laafar^, A.G. Tomulescu^, C. Radu, O. El Khouja^, L.N. Leonat^, A. Almaggousi, A.C. Galca^, C. Besleaga^, Antimony Sulfide Absorbers from Molecular Inks: Process Optimization and Performance of PV cells, Nanotechnology for Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics (NEXTGEN 2025), https://www.irec.cat/press-society/events/nextgen/ , Palma, Mallorca, Spain, 09.-12.09.2025 (oral).
  29.  A.C. Galca^,*, O. El Khouja^, Y. Gong, A. Jimenez-Arguijo, I. Assahsahi, I. Caño, A.E. Bocirnea^, C. Radu, S. Giraldo, C. Besleaga^, M. Placidi, Z. Jehl Li Kao, E. Saucedo, Solution-Processed CZCTS Solar Cells with Efficiencies Beyond 10% via Atomic-Level Defect Control with Ag Alloying and Li Passivation, 15th European Kesterite+ and 3rd ReNewPV Workshop, https://kesterite-berlin25.eu/ , Berlin-Wannsee, Germany, 11.-13.06.2025 (oral).
  30.  A. El Kanouny^,*, V. Stancu^, A. El Manouni, S. Laafar^, C.A. Pescaru^, A.G. Tomulescu^, A. Almaggousi, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, Optimization of TiO2/SnS Heterojunctions for Hybrid n-i-p Solar Cells, 15th European Kesterite+ and 3rd ReNewPV Workshop, https://kesterite-berlin25.eu/ , Berlin-Wannsee, Germany, 11.-13.06.2025 (oral).
  31.  A.C. Galca^,*, V. Stancu^, O. El Khouja^, K.E. Dehm, A. El Kanouny^, E. Gilshtein#, A.G. Tomulescu^, S. Kern, C.A. Pescaru^, S. Laafar^, A.E. Bocirnea^, L.N. Leonat^, V. Toma^, O. Rasoga, G.E. Stan^, S. Canulescu#, R.W. Crisp, C. Besleaga^, Reproducibility and Stability of Sb2S3 Based Solar Cells, 15th European Kesterite+ and 3rd ReNewPV Workshop, https://kesterite-berlin25.eu/ , Berlin-Wannsee, Germany, 11.-13.06.2025 (poster).
  32.  M. Tamin*, O. El Khouja^, D. Chaumont, M. Guemmaz, A.C. Galca^, Synthesis and characterization of CZTS and AZTS thin films for indoor and tandem photovoltaic applications, 15th European Kesterite+ and 3rd ReNewPV Workshop, https://kesterite-berlin25.eu/ , Berlin-Wannsee, Germany, 11.-13.06.2025 (poster).
  33.  E. Gilshtein#,*, C. Besleaga^, S. Canulescu#, A.M.P. Enevoldsen#, A.C. Galca^, H.M. Gupta#, Superstrate structured Sb2S3 thin-film solar cells by magnetron sputtering of Sb and post-sulfurization, 15th European Kesterite+ and 3rd ReNewPV Workshop, https://kesterite-berlin25.eu/ , Berlin-Wannsee, Germany, 11.-13.06.2025 (poster).
  34.  E. Gilshtein#,*, H.M. Gupta#, R. Kahuure, A. Tsekou#, K.E. Dehm, R.W. Crisp, T. Tran, N. Pryds, C. Besleaga^, A. C. Galca^, M. Grossberg-Kuusk#, H. Van Quy#, D.-H. Kim#, S.-J. Sung#, S. Canulescu#, Optimizing charge transport and crystal orientation in Sb₂S₃ thin-film solar cells: strategies of doping and using the seed layer to improve device performance, 2025 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, https://www.mrs.org/meetings-events/annual-meetings/2025-mrs-spring-meeting/symposium-sessions/call-for-papers/2025-mrs-spring-meeting/Symposium_EN05 , Seattle, United States, 07.-11.04.2025 (oral).
  35.  E. Gilshtein#, A. Tsekou#, D. Komisar#, H.M. Gupta#, O. El Khouja^, C. Besleaga^, A. C. Galca^, M. Grossberg-Kuusk#, D.-H. Kim#, S.-J. Sung#, O. Ilchenko#, S. Canulescu#,*, Antimony Sulfide (Sb2S3) with Tailored Crystallographic Orientation, 2025 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit, https://www.mrs.org/meetings-events/annual-meetings/2025-mrs-spring-meeting/symposium-sessions/call-for-papers/2025-mrs-spring-meeting/Symposium_EN05 , Seattle, United States, 07.-11.04.2025 (invitat).
  36.  A.C. Galca^,*, C. Besleaga^, I. Pintilie^, L.N. Leonat^, A.G. Tomulescu^, O. El Khouja^, S. Derbali, V. Stancu^, Facts and Artifacts in Optical and Structural Characterization of Emerging Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 25th Symposium on Photonics and Optics SPO 2024, https://indico.psi.ch/event/16645/ , Kyiv, Ukraine, 4.-8.11.2024 (invitat).
  37.  A.C. Galca^,*, S. Derbali, O. El Khouja^, V. Stancu^, L.N. Leonat^, A.G. Tomulescu^, A.E. Bocirnea^, C.C. Negrila, C. Besleaga^, I. Pintilie^, Facts and Artifacts in Optical and Structural Characterization of Emerging Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 7th Autumn School on Physics of Advanced Materials (PAMS-7), https://icpams.com/main/ , Antalya, Turkey, -15.09.2024 (invitat).
  38.  O. El Khouja^, YC. Gong, C. Besleaga^, A. Jimenez-Arguijo, I.D. Simandan^, Z. Jehl Li-Kao, A.G. Tomulescu^, A. Velea^, C. Radu, M. Placidi, V. Stancu^, E. Saucedo, A.C. Galca^,*, Synthesis, characterization and optoelectronic applicability of CZTS and Sb2S3 films for enhanced solar energy conversion, 16th International Conference on Physics of Advanced Materials (ICPAM-16), https://icpams.com/main/ , Antalya, Turkey,7.-15.09.2024 (plenară).
  39.  O. El Khouja^,*, A.G. Tomulescu^, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, A.C. Galca^, Synthesis, characterization and optoelectronic applicability of Sb2S3 thin films for enhanced solar energy conversion, 10th International Conference on Advanced Materials (ROCAM), https://rocam.fizica.unibuc.ro/ROCAM/ , Bucharest, Romania, 15.-18.07.2024 (oral).
  40.  A.C. Galca^,*, O. El Khouja^, S. Derbali, A.G. Tomulescu^, L.N. Leonat^, M.Y. Zaki, C.C. Negrila, A. Velea^, V. Stancu^, I. Pintilie^, C. Besleaga^, Facts and Artifacts in Optical and Structural Characterization of Emerging Materials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, 10th International Conference on Advanced Materials (ROCAM), https://rocam.fizica.unibuc.ro/ROCAM/ , Bucharest, Romania, 15.-18.07.2024 (oral).
  41.  A.E. Bocirnea^,*, A.C. Galca^, I.D. Simandan^, A. Velea^, O. El Khouja^, A.G. Tomulescu^, V. Stancu^, C. Besleaga^, The importance of the surface analysis in the characterization of antimony chalcogenides films, European Kesterite+ Workshop & the 2nd RENEW-PV (emerging inorganic chalcogenide thin-film PV technologies) workshop (14th European Kesterite+ and ReNew-PV) https://kesterite-verona24.eu/, Verona, Italy, 26.-28.06.2024 (poster).
  42.  A.C. Galca^,*, I.D. Simandan^, O. El Khouja^, V. Toma^, A.E. Bocirnea^, A. Velea^, V. Stancu^, A.G. Tomulescu^, C. Besleaga^, Insights of structure and chemical homogeneity of the Sb2S3 absorber layers and their influence on the performance and reproducibility of the solar cells, European Kesterite+ Workshop & the 2nd RENEW-PV (emerging inorganic chalcogenide thin-film PV technologies) workshop (14th European Kesterite+ and ReNew-PV) https://kesterite-verona24.eu/, Verona, Italy, 26.-28.06.2024 (poster).
  43.  A.C. Galca^,*, O. El Khouja^, K. Nouneh, V. Stancu^, A.G. Tomulescu^, I.D. Simandan^, A. Velea^, M. Ebn Touhami, C. Besleaga^, Research and development of emerging chalcogenide based films for optoelectronics, International conference on Eco Smart Materials for the Future Technologies (ECOSMATTECH-2024), Rabat, Morocco, 19.-26.05.2024 (invitat).
  44.  A.C. Galca^,*, O. El Khouja^, A.G. Tomulescu^, Viorica Stancu^, M.Y. Zaki^, I.D. Simandan^, A. Velea^, C. Besleaga^, The influence of structure and chemical homogeneity of the absorber layers on the performance of chalcogenide based solar cells, RenewPV Workshop "Materials (WG3) and Device Processing (WG4) of Emerging Chalcogenides" COST CA21148 - Research and International Networking on Emerging Inorganic Chalcogenides for Photovoltaics, https://renewpv.eu/ , Prague, Czech Republic, 24.-26.04.2024 (oral).

 

The kickoff meeting took place at DTU, Danmark, on 25 August 2023.

Kick-off meeting

On 19.04.2024, we had our 6 months meeting at NIMP, Romania, where we had the perfect opportunity to exchange personal and professional ideas with our partners from Denmark (DTU, LightNovo), Estonia (TALT), and South Korea (DIGST, ULTECH).

On 23.09.2024, we had our 12 months meeting at TALT, Estonia, where we meet our partners from Denmark (DTU, LightNovo), Estonia (TALT), and South Korea (DIGST, ULTECH). The research progress was presented and discussed.

In March 2025, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with the ERANET-M-3-ERANET-LightCell project partners organized in Copenhagen, Denmark by the DTU project coordinator.

In September 2025, Dr. Cristina Beșleagă and Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the INCDFM LightCell team, at the biannual meeting with the partners of the ERANET-M-3-ERANET-LightCell project organized by DIGST in Daegu, South Korea.

In February 2026, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with project partners organized in Copenhagen, Denmark by the DTU project coordinator.

In June 2026, Dr. Cristina Beșleagă, Dr. Aurelian-Cătălin Gâlcă and PhD student Abdessamad El Kanouny, participated on behalf of the LightCell INCDFM team, at the biannual meeting with project partners organized by Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Estonia.

  • Technology for obtaining thin layers of crystallized Sb2S3 having: orthorhombic structure (space group Pnma-62), thicknesses of ~100 nm, ~300 nm and ~600 nm; densities in the range of 4.9 – 5.2 grcm3.
  • Technology for obtaining thin layers of TiO2 compatible for solar cells based on Sb2S3
  • Technology for obtaining thin layers of P3HT compatible for solar cells based on Sb2S3
  • 92 deposition sessions, 398 samples, totaling approximately 3200 solar cells with an area of ​​0.08 cm2.
  • 9 published scientific articles and 3 submitted articles
  • 44 participations in international conferences
  • 17 teaching activities
  • 3 Internships for team members

cristina.besleaga@infim.ro

PROJECTS / INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS