Publication date: 1 March 2017
Source:Thin Solid Films, Volume 625
Author(s): Osama Awadallah, Zhe Cheng
This study reports the preparation of copper zinc tin sulfide (Cu2 ZnSnS4 or CZTS) thin films using parts-per-million (ppm) level of hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) gas as opposed to high percentage level of H2 S (e.g., ≥2 S balanced by hydrogen at different temperatures. Generally, it was observed that the sulfur content of the thin films obtained showed strong dependence on the sulfurization temperature. Samples sulfurized at higher temperatures (e.g., ~2 S experienced significant sulfur loss as confirmed by EDS, which was accompanied by the formation of metal alloys such as Cu3 Sn as identified by XRD. On the other hand, samples sulfurized at lower temperatures of ~2 S phase(s). In addition, stoichiometric and Cu-rich precursor solutions tend to yield CZTS samples with better crystallinity and superior optical properties compared with the Cu-deficient solution. These results are discussed from thermodynamics perspective and the directions for future research for safer and more economical processing of CZTS solar cells are pointed out.
Source:Thin Solid Films, Volume 625
Author(s): Osama Awadallah, Zhe Cheng