The controlled deposition of Cu₂(Zn_yFe_1−y)SnS₄, Cu₂(Zn_yFe_1−y)SnSe₄and Cu₂(Zn_yFe_1−y)Sn(S_xSe_1−x)₄thin films by AACVD: potential solar cell materials based on earth abundant elements

Abstract

Highly crystalline thin films of Cu2(ZnyFe1−y)SnS4 (CZFTS), Cu2(ZnyFe1−y)SnSe4 (CZFTSe) and Cu2(ZnyFe1−y)Sn(SxSe1−x)4 (CZFTSSe) have been deposited by Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD).

Synthesis of Nanoparticulate Alloys of the Composition Cu2Zn1–xFexSnS4: Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Properties

“…A number of reports have appeared using molecular precursors for the preparation of nanoparticles or thin films of semiconductor materials . We have recently reported the deposition of thin films of CZFTS by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) . Herein, we report the colloidal synthesis of Cu 2 Zn 1– x Fe x SnS 4 nanoparticles using discrete molecular precursors.…”

“…The precursors used for the synthesis of CZFTS nanoparticles were [Cu­(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 ], [Zn­(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 ], [Fe­(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 3 ], and [ n Bu 2 Sn­(S 2 CNEt 2 ) 2 ]. These metal–organic complexes were prepared by literature methods. , Initial screening experiments led to the selection of 220 °C and 1 h in oleylamine as good conditions for the reproducible preparation of nanocrystals (Supporting Information, Figure S1). The CZFTS samples were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy.…”

“…17 We have recently reported the deposition of thin films of CZFTS by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). 18 Herein, we report the colloidal synthesis of Cu 2 Zn 1−x Fe x SnS 4 nanoparticles using discrete molecular precursors. These materials are composed of comparatively cheap, abundant, and environmentally benign elements.…”

“…These metal−organic complexes were prepared by literature methods. 18,19 Initial screening experiments led to the selection of 220 °C and 1 h in oleylamine as good conditions for the reproducible preparation of nanocrystals (Supporting Information, Figure S1). The CZFTS samples were analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy.…”

The synthesis and characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films from melt reactions using xanthate precursors

“…The development of a method for controlling the phase of the obtained CZTS would be a major step toward commercializing CZTS. We have previously reported the synthesis of CZTS and Cu 2 Zn 1-x Fe x SnS 4 nanoparticles and thin films from the decomposition of dithiocarbamate single-source precursors (SSPs) [41][42][43].…”