Synthesis of copper zinc tin sulfide nanocrystal films by solution-based methods and study of their photoelectrochemical properties

Effect of sintering optimization on the photoelectrochemical performance of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystal films

“…In comparison with the Raman peak of monocrystalline CZTS at 338 cm −1 , the Raman peak shift toward a lower wavenumber indicated the disordered distribution of cations in CZTS that could lead to the generation of crystal defects and impurities. 32 The larger wavenumber shift of the CZTS film annealed for 15 min revealed that more defects would be generated, possibly explaining the existence of SnS x impurities.…”

“…The solvothermal synthesis technique was employed based on the literature with some modifications. 32,33 1 g of PVP and 30 mL of ethylene glycol were mixed, and the mixture was stirred until fully dissolved. The solution was then combined with 1.5 mmol of CuCl 2 •2H 2 O, 0.75 mmol of ZnCl 2 , and 0.75 mmol of SnCl 2 •5H 2 O until the solutes were entirely dissolved, giving the light blue cationic precursor solution A.…”

“…However, a short heating time could be insufficient for producing large grains while also entirely eliminating organic impurities. In the previous work, CZTS nanocrystals were prepared using a solvothermal method and the effects of different sulfur sources and surfactants on the products were studied 32 . The product that used Na 2 S as its sulfur source had the highest phase purity and the closest stoichiometric ratio; also, the CZTS nanocrystal films that used polyvinylpyrrolidone as a surfactant had a quicker light responsiveness and a lower dark current.…”

“…The solvothermal synthesis technique was employed based on the literature with some modifications 32,33 . 1 g of PVP and 30 mL of ethylene glycol were mixed, and the mixture was stirred until fully dissolved.…”

“…In the previous work, CZTS nanocrystals were prepared using a solvothermal method and the effects of different sulfur sources and surfactants on the products were studied. 32 The product that used Na 2 S as its sulfur source had the highest phase purity and the closest stoichiometric ratio; also, the CZTS nanocrystal films that used polyvinylpyrrolidone as a surfactant had a quicker light responsiveness and a lower dark current. In this work, by utilizing knowledge from earlier research, we conducted heat treatment in various conditions depending on the properties of nanocrystal films in an attempt to find the ideal treatment conditions to increase the PEC performance of CZTS nanocrystal films while also removing the surfactant.…”