Phase transformation in Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films through pre-treatment in sulfur atmosphere

Küçük Resim Yok

Tarih

2021

Dergi Başlığı

Dergi ISSN

Cilt Başlığı

Yayıncı

Springer

Erişim Hakkı

info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess

Özet

In this study, Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films prepared by a two-step sulfurization process were characterized. Cu and Sn metallic layers were first deposited on glass substrates by sputtering and then annealed in-situ while in the sputtering chamber to obtain CuSn (CT) alloys. This was followed by a pre-treatment step at temperatures between 200 and 350 degrees C in presence of S vapors. Finally, a full sulfurization step was performed at 525 degrees C to obtain the desired CTS phase. CTS films were characterized using EDX, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, optical transmission and Van der Pauw methods. It was found that all CTS samples had Cu-poor chemical composition. XRD data revealed only diffraction peaks belonging to CTS structure after the full sulfurization step. Raman spectra of the samples showed that except for the CTS sample pre-treated at 250 degrees C (CTS-250), which displayed the tetragonal crystal system, the films were dominated by the monoclinic structure. SEM surface images showed dense and polycrystalline microstructure, CTS-200 sample exhibiting a more uniform morphology. Optical band gap values were found to be ranging from 0.92 to 1.19 eV. All samples showed p-type conductivity but the sample pre-treated at 350 degrees C had higher resistivity and lower carrier concentration values. Overall, the CTS layer prepared using the pre-treatment step at 200 degrees C exhibited more promising structural and optical properties for potential photovoltaic applications. This work demonstrated that it is possible to change the crystal structure of sulfurized CTS thin films through a pre-treatment step.

Açıklama

Anahtar Kelimeler

Solar-Cells, Optical-Properties, Conversion Efficiency, Sulfurization, Performance, Fabrication, Growth, Temperature, Improvement, Ratio

Kaynak

Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Electronics

WoS Q Değeri

Q2

Scopus Q Değeri

Q2

Cilt

32

Sayı

8

Künye