CuInSe₂ Formation from CuSe/In₂Se₃ and Cu₂Se/In₂Se₃ Powders: Reaction Kinetics and Mechanisms

Abstract

CuInSe2 (CIS) powders were synthesized using CuSe, Cu2Se, and In2Se3 as the raw materials. The formation mechanisms and reaction kinetics from CuSe/In2Se3 and Cu2Se/In2Se3 powders in a selenium atmosphere were investigated. It was observed that the formation temperature of α‐CIS powders synthesized using Cu2Se/In2Se3 as the raw materials was higher than that using CuSe/In2Se3. Both reactions for Cu2Se/In2Se3 and CuSe/In2Se3 mixtures follow one‐dimensional diffusion‐controlled reactions with apparent activation energies of 124.3 and 73.2 kJ/mol, respectively. For both mixtures the indium‐rich β‐CIS phase resulting from Cu+ ion diffusion toward the In2Se3 phase was observed. The particle size and morphology of the newly formed CIS was similar to In2Se3, which indicated that the CIS formation kinetics may be dominated by the diffusion of Cu+ ions. The Cu–Se liquid phase resulting from the peritectic decomposition of CuSe2 and CuSe at a relatively low temperature may promote Cu+ diffusion into the In2Se3 surface, assisting CIS formation.

Reaction Tailoring for Synthesis of Phase‐Pure Nanocrystals of AgInSe2, Cu3SbSe3 and CuSbSe2

“…The black powder obtained from the reaction of copper, antimony and selenium precursors in 1 h showed formation of only Cu 2‐x Se instead of CSSe. Careful analysis of the XRD pattern confirmed formation of hexagonal phase of Cu 2‐x Se NCs owing to three strong to medium intensity peaks at 2θ 27.6°, 45.6° and 54.2° . This further underlines the importance of the reaction parameters such as time and temperature.…”

“…It is interesting to consider the same reaction by employing different capping agent i. e. oleyl amine. Indeed, when the reaction was performed with desired ratios at 220 °C for just 30 min., UV‐Visible spectrum of the reaction mixture revealed absorption relevant to the product however, XRD analysis of dried product showed presence of mixture of Cu 2‐x Se and CuSbSe 2 NCs [Figure (IV 30 min)]. Finally, 1hr reaction time at the same temperature was enough to get phase pure CuSbSe 2 NCs (JCPDS 01–075‐0992).…”

The Formation Mechanism of Cu(In0.7Ga0.3)Se2 Nanoparticles and the Densification Trajectory of the Se-Rich Quaternary Target by Hot Pressing

“…Combined with previous studies by other researchers [11,[19][20][21][22][23], it can be suggested that the reactions be carried out as follows:…”

“…As is known, nanoparticles with fine and uniform size are the key issue in fabricating targets with high-density and homogeneous composition. The solvothermal method and heat injection method were used to obtain CIGS nanoparticles [10][11][12]. However, there exist some problems, such as the separation of the CuInSe 2 (CIS) phase and the CuGaSe 2 (CGS) phase, the composition deviation of the raw powders from the obtained particles, and the low production efficiency.…”

Microstructures and photovoltaic performances of bismuth‐ion doped Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films prepared via sputtering process

“…Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) materials are regarded as the suitable chalcopyrite absorbers for the applications in various thin‐film based solar cells. Till date, the conversion efficiencies of CIGS‐based solar cells exceeding 20% have been demonstrated . However, elevation of the grain sizes of CIGS films and the reduction in defects in absorber layers are crucial for the fabrication of CIGS‐based devices with high conversion efficiency .…”