Effects of diethanolamine on sol-gel-processed Cu2ZnSnS 4 photovoltaic absorber thin films

Kahraman S., ÇETİNKAYA S., Çetinkara H., Güder H.

Materials Research Bulletin, vol.50, pp.165-171, 2014 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 50
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.materresbull.2013.10.043
  • Journal Name: Materials Research Bulletin
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.165-171
  • Keywords: A. chalcogenides, A. semiconductors, A. thin film, B. sol-gel chemistry, C. X-ray diffraction, D. crystal structure
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

As a promising solar absorber, the Cu2ZnSnS4 compound has been popular recently for the production of green and economical thin-film solar cells owing to the abundancy and non-toxicity of all the constituents. In this study, we have produced Cu2ZnSnS4 films via the sol-gel technique. As a stabilizer, the effects of the diethanolamine on the properties of the films were investigated. The amount of diethanolamine significantly affected the crystal structure, crystallite sizes and phase purity of the films. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy analyses confirmed the formation of phase-pure CZTS films. It was found that the film produced by using 2 ml of diethanolamine in sol exhibited pure CZTS phase, compact and dense morphology and enhanced photo-sensitivity. Light on/off current ratio of the n-Si/Cu2ZnSnS4 junction was found to be 47 under 100 mW/cm2 of illumination. Electrical activation energies of the films were investigated and the variations were attributed to delocalized phonon states generating from the presence of other phases and lattice defects. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.