Synthesis of Copper–Antimony-Sulfide Nanocrystals for Solution-Processed Solar Cells

Abstract

The p-type nanocrystals (NCs) of copper-based chalcogenides, such as CuInSe2 and Cu2ZnSnS4, have attracted increasing attention in photovoltaic applications due to their potential to produce cheap solution-processed solar cells. Herein, we report the synthesis of copper-antimony-sulfide (CAS) NCs with different crystal phases including CuSbS2, Cu3SbS4, and Cu12Sb4S13. In addition, their morphology, crystal phase, and optical properties were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, UV-vis-near-IR spectroscopy, and photoemission yield spectroscopy. The morphology, crystal phase, and electronic structure were significantly dependent on the chemical composition in the CAS system. Devices were fabricated using particulate films consisting of CAS NCs prepared by spin coating without a high-temperature treatment. The CAS NC-based devices exhibited a diode-like current-voltage characteristic when coupled with an n-type CdS layer. In particular, the CuSbS2 NC devices exhibited photovoltaic responses under simulated sunlight, demonstrating its applicability for use in solution-processed solar cells.

Solution synthesis of CuSbS 2 nanocrystals: A new approach to control shape and size

“…However, many key parameters of CuSbS2, such as the conduction band and valence band positions have not been fully investigated [21,24]. Studies of this material as a potential absorber for sustainable and scalable thin film solar cells have been conducted, but still more research and investigation needs to be done in order to fully characterize the properties of these materials [25][26][27][28].…”

Core Levels, Band Alignments, and Valence-Band States in CuSbS2 for Solar Cell Applications

“…CAS has a relatively low melting point of ~540°C 2,15 , and so is amenable to crystallisation at lower temperatures. CAS has thus far been successfully grown in thin film and nanoscale form by many and varied deposition methods, both physical (thermal evaporation 2,[16][17][18] and sputtering 3,4,19 ) and chemical (spray pyrolysis 14,20,21 , chemical bath 5,11,12,22 , spin coating 15 , electrodeposition 13,16,23 , solution processing 24 and solvo-/hydro-thermal [25][26][27] ), leading to continued interest in the material. Beyond its use as a solar absorber, interest is also maintained in CAS because of its potential use in other areas of semiconductor applications, such as supercapacitors 28 , dye-sensitised solar cells 29,30 , or electrodes in batteries 31 .…”

Gas–solid reaction for in situ deposition of Cu3SbS4 on a mesoporous TiO2 film

“…Cu-Sb-S ternary compounds, including four major phases: CuSbS 2 (chalcostibite), [13][14][15][16] Cu 12 Sb 4 S 13 (tetrahedrite), 17,18 Cu 3 SbS 4 (famatinite), [19][20][21] and Cu 3 SbS 3 (skinnerite), 22,23 have also emerged as potential absorber materials because of their appropriate optical, electrical properties and the presence of earth-abundant elements. 22 Among them, Cu 3 SbS 4 is suggested as a promising light absorber with an optimum band gap energy of $1.1 eV, comparable with those of high-efficiency CIGS and CZTSSe materials.…”