Characterization of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Thin Films Prepared by Photo-Chemical Deposition

Abstract

Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films were prepared by photo-chemical deposition (PCD) from aqueous solution containing CuSO4, ZnSO4, SnSO4 and Na2S2O3. The compositional ratio of the films was dependent little on pH of aqueous solution and the surface of the samples became smooth by use of aqueous filter. A sample annealed at 400°C was a p-type semiconductor and showed photoconductivity. This is the first observation of photo-conductivity from semiconductor films deposited by PCD, to the best of our knowledge.

Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films by sulfurization of co‐electroplated Cu‐Zn‐Sn precursors

“…In order to reduce the cost of producing CZTS thin films, it is necessary to use a non-vacuum process. Several research groups have fabricated CZTS thin films using a spray technique [4], photochemical deposition [5], electrodeposition [6,7] and a sol-gel method [8,9]. We have reported the fabrication and characterization of CZTS thin films by sulfurizing sequential electroplated precursors (Cu/Sn/Zn stacked layers) [10,11].…”

The effect of dextrin addition during Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film preparation by photochemical deposition

“…The surface morphology of films with added dextrin was composed of uniformly sized grains. Furthermore, the surfaces became smoother with increasing amounts of added dextrin [28,29]. From the above, it seems that metal complexes are formed by the addition of dextrin [32].…”

“…We also revealed that the chemical composition of the films was dependent on the solution pH [28]. Unfortunately, the surface morphology of the CZTS films prepared by PCD was rough [28,29].…”

“…The photochemical reaction in the solution was discussed in a previous paper [28,29] 2-ions to act as a reductant. The deposited metal sulfide films were placed in a ceramic case with sulfur lumps, and the case was placed in a furnace filled with N 2 gas.…”

Preparation of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin film solar cells under non‐vacuum condition

“…Moriya et al prepared CZTS thin films by photo-chemical deposition (PCD) and observed photoconductivity for the first time in CZTS films prepared by PCD [8]. Araki et al prepared CZTS thin films by sulfurizing electronplated precursors [9].…”