Stannite Cu2FeSnS4 and kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 were
synthesized by an eco-friendly ball-milling
method in an industrial mill. Both synthesized sulfides represent
perspective materials in solar cell technology. Several characterization
methods have been applied to determine the course of solid state mechanochemical
reactions leading to the synthesis of potential chalcogenide solar
cell absorbers. The phase and surface composition, solid state kinetics,
and surface morphology of these quaternary sulfides were elucidated
by the methods of X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
Soxhlet analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The application
of eccentric vibration mills for these syntheses constitutes the big
challenge for researchers in the field of photovoltaics in their permanent
effort in scaling up new materials and processes.
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