Spray-deposited kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS): Optical, structural, and electrical investigations for solar cell applications. Issue 1 (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deokate, R.J.; Chavan, Harish S.; Im, Hyunsik; Inamdar, Akbar I.
• Is Part Of: Ceramics international. Volume 48:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 795
• Page End: 802
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Thin film -- Solar cell -- Kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 -- Spray pyrolysis -- Optical properties; Ceramics -- Periodicals; Céramique industrielle -- Périodiques; Ceramics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 666
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.09.160
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-8842

Abstract

Abstract: Kesterite Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS)-based solar devices have become a popular alternative to copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) due to its outstanding properties such as high efficiency, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, suitable optoelectrical properties, and earth-abundancy. In this study, we directly fabricated CZTS films via a single-step spray pyrolysis technique, in contrast to conventional techniques where post sulfurization is required. The spray deposited CZTS films are investigated for their optical, structural, and electrical properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis study revealed the synthesis of the phase-pure kesterite CZTS films without impurity phases. Large crystallites of CZTS are obtained at a deposition temperature of 400 °C, exhibiting a porous granular morphology with different grain sizes upon temperature variation. The size-dependent optical properties revealed that the CZTS films exhibited admirable visible light absorption of 10 5 cm −1 and an electronic bandgap ranging between 1.42 and 1.58 eV. The minimum dielectric loss obtained for optimized CZTS due to fewer intrinsic defects confirmed the materials' applicability. Thus, the study provides a simple, viable route to fabricate CZTS without post-treatment to build affordable solar cells. Graphical abstract: In this study, we directly fabricated CZTS thin-film electrodes via a simple one-step chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Its structural, optical, and electrical properties are investigated for solar cell applications. We obtained phase-pure kesterite CZTS with a high absorption coefficient of 10 5 cm -1 in the visible region. The bandgap energy is in the range of 1.42–1.58 eV, satisfying the requirement for solar cells. Image 1 Highlights: One step CZTS thin film without post treatment is reported. The structural, optical and electrical properties studied. The absorption coefficient of the 10 5 cm -1 and band gap energy between 1.42 and 1.58 eV is obtained. Excellent optical and electrical properties are observed.