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19-03-2018 | Mechanochemical Synthesis

Mechanochemical approach to a Cu₂ZnSnS₄ solar cell absorber via a “micro-nano” route

Authors: Michal Hegedüs, Peter Baláž, Matej Baláž, Peter Siffalovic, Nina Daneu, Mária Kaňuchová, Jaroslav Briančin, Martin Fabián

Published in: Journal of Materials Science | Issue 19/2018

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Abstract

The present study demonstrates a mechanochemical “micro-nano” approach toward the future solar cell absorber material Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) with up-scaling potential. For this purpose, synthetic copper sulfide CuS and tin sulfide SnS nanoparticles along with microsized zinc metal and elemental sulfur as solid precursors were utilized. These precursors were milled in a planetary ball mill in an argon atmosphere for a period of 1–240 min. Moreover, we compare it to a “micro” approach starting from the elements and maintaining the same milling conditions. The phase composition of reaction mixtures was analyzed by X-ray diffractometry. The final products of syntheses were further analyzed by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The phase purity of the prepared materials was verified by confocal Raman microscopy. In both cases, a polydisperse system of a nearly stoichiometric Cu₂ZnSnS₄ phase was readily obtained after 60 min of milling with only traces of unreacted Cu_2−xS phases. Based on the results, we conclude there is no definite difference in reaction speed. However, the crystallite size and optical properties of the prepared CZTS samples slightly differ when various precursors are used.

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Title: Mechanochemical approach to a Cu2ZnSnS4 solar cell absorber via a “micro-nano” route
Authors: Michal Hegedüs
Peter Baláž
Matej Baláž
Peter Siffalovic
Nina Daneu
Mária Kaňuchová
Jaroslav Briančin
Martin Fabián
Publication date: 19-03-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Materials Science / Issue 19/2018
Print ISSN: 0022-2461
Electronic ISSN: 1573-4803
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-018-2228-1

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