Chalcogenide Quaternary Cu2FeSnS4 Nanocrystals for Solar Cells: Explosive Character of Mechanochemical Synthesis and Environmental Challenge

Abstract

Abstract:In this study we demonstrate the synthesis of quaternary semiconductor nanocrystals of stannite Cu 2 FeSnS 4 /rhodostannite Cu 2 FeSn 3 S 8 (CFTS) via mechanochemical route using Cu, Fe, Sn and S elements as precursors in one-pot experiments. Methods of X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were applied to characterize properties of the unique nanostructures. Mechanochemical route of synthesis induced new phenomena like explosive character of reaction, where three stages could be identified and the formation of nanostructures 5-10 nm in size. By using XPS method, Cu(I), Fe(II), Sn(IV) and S(-II) species were identified on the surface of CFTS. The value of optical band gap 1.27 eV is optimal for semiconductors applicable as absorbers in solar cells. The significant photocatalytic activity of the CFTS nanocrystals was also evidenced. The obtained results confirm the excellent properties of the quaternary semiconductor nanocrystals synthesized from earth-abundant elements.

Quaternary Cu2FeSnS4/PVP/rGO Composite for Supercapacitor Applications

“…Finally, the carbon peaks are positioned at 283.66 eV for C1s which could be the reason for the presence of rGO in the synthesized material, as displayed in Figure 4 f. The major states of the Cu, Fe, Sn, and S elements are +1, +2, +4, and −2, for Cu 2 FeSnS 4 chemical formula. 31 …”

Investigation on the effect of cation substitution in Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 thin film solar cell

“…CNiTS also exhibit 1.1 and 1.05 eV band gaps which emphasize the occurrence of monoclinic Cu2SnS3 in both samples[7,75]. CFeTS posess band gap of 1.2 eV which agrees with past study[243]. As for CCoTS, the band gap is estimated at 1.1 eV which is relatively smaller than the averge reported values around 1.4-1.6 eV[160,161,185].…”

Comprehensive physicochemical and photovoltaic analysis of different Zn substitutes (Mn, Mg, Fe, Ni, Co, Ba, Sr) in CZTS-inspired thin film solar cells

“…Please do not adjust margins Please do not adjust margins are comparable with the previous findings. 60,62,66,87,[126][127][128][129] However, CSrTS sample also exhibit two smaller inflection points which can be attributed to the band gap of Cu2SnS3 secondary phase (~0.92-0.95 eV). 1,130 In Mg + CTS and Ni + CTS, these correspond to the ternary phases' band gap, orthorhombic Cu3SnS4 (1.57 eV) 130 and monoclinic Cu2SnS3 (1.10 and ~1.00 eV).…”