Structural and Compositional Analysis of CZTSSe Thin Films by Varying S/(S+Se) Ratio

Mohamed Yassine Zaki, Florinel Sava, Iosif Daniel Simandan, Claudia Mihai and Alin Velea ()
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Mohamed Yassine Zaki: National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Florinel Sava: National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Iosif Daniel Simandan: National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Claudia Mihai: National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Alin Velea: National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor 405A, 077125 Magurele, Romania

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-11

Abstract: The development of kesterite (Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 , CZTSSe) thin films for photovoltaic applications is highly necessary, given their composition of Earth-abundant, environmentally friendly elements and their compatibility with established photovoltaic technologies. This study presents a novel synthesis approach for CZTSSe films with varied S/(S+Se) ratios, ranging from 0.83 to 0.44, by a two-step magnetron sputtering deposition/annealing process. The first step consists in an initial deposition of stacked Mo/SnS 2 /Cu layers, which, upon thermal treatment in a sulfur atmosphere, were transformed into Cu 2 SnS 3 (CTS) films. In the second step, further deposition of ZnSe and subsequent annealing in a tin and selenium atmosphere resulted in the formation of a CZTSSe phase. These processes were optimized to fabricate high-quality and single-phase CZTSSe films, thereby mitigating the formation of secondary phases. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, demonstrated a clear correlation between decreased S/(S+Se) ratios and enhanced film densification and grain size. Moreover, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy confirmed a compositional and structural transition from close to CZTS to nearly a CZTSe phase as the S/(S+Se) ratios decreased. This study advances kesterite-based solar cell technology by enhancing the structural properties and crystallinity of the absorber layer, necessary for improving photovoltaic performance.

Keywords: kesterite thin films; CZTSSe; magnetron sputtering (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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