Structural Investigation of Photocatalyst Solid Ag_1−xCu_xInS₂ Quaternary Alloys Sprayed Thin Films Optimized within the Lattice Compatibility Theory (LCT) Scope

Abstract

Cu x Ag 1−x InS 2 solid thin films were fabricated through a low-cost process. Particular process-related enhanced properties lead to reaching a minimum of lattice mismatch between absorber and buffer layers within particular solar cell devices. First, copper-less samples X-ray diffraction analysis depicts the presence of AgInS 2 ternary compound in chalcopyrite tetragonal phase with privileged (112) peak ( 112 = 1.70Å) according to JCPDS 75-0118 card. Second, when x content increases, we note a shift of the same preferential orientation (112) and its value reaches 1.63Å corresponding to CuInS 2 chalcopyrite tetragonal material according to JCPDS 89-6095 file. Finally, the formation and stability of these quaternaries have been discussed in terms of the lattice compatibility in relation with silver-copper duality within indium disulfide lattice structure. Plausible explanations for the extent and dynamics of copper incorporation inside AgInS 2 elaborated ternary matrices have been proposed.

Band Structure Engineering and Defect Passivation of CuxAg1–xInS2/ZnS Quantum Dots to Enhance Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution

“…The observation reveals that the Cu ions are successfully doped into the AgInS 2 CQDs to produce light absorption and PL emission and change the lattice energy band. This result provides evidence and support to previous reports of the extent of the Cu-to-Ag ratio in the optical property alteration by the lattice structure compatibility theory . It also confirms the potential of Cu doping engineering to enhance the optical property and optimize the band structure of the AgInS 2 CQDs.…”

“…This result provides evidence and support to previous reports of the extent of the Cu-to-Ag ratio in the optical property alteration by the lattice structure compatibility theory. 40 It also confirms the potential of Cu doping engineering to enhance the optical property and optimize the band structure of the AgInS 2 CQDs.…”