Ultrasonic spray coating of kesterite CZTS films from molecular inks

• Published in: Applied physics. A, Materials science & processing Vol. 129; no. 6
• Main Authors: Ghediya, Prashant R., Silvano, Joao, Verding, Pieter, Shanivarasanthe Nithyananda Kumar, Rachith, Brammertz, Guy, Paulus, Andreas, Elen, Ken, Ruttens, Bart, Shukla, Sudhanshu, D’Haen, Jan, Hardy, An, Vermang, Bart, Deferme, Wim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.06.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied physics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemical synthesis; Condensed Matter Physics; Copper zinc tin sulfide; Deposition; Energy gap; Inks; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials science; Nanotechnology; Optical and Electronic Materials; Photovoltaic cells; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Processes; Solar cells; Spray coating; Surfaces and Interfaces; Thin Films; Solar cells; Cu; Molecular inks; ZnSnS; Optical properties; Ultrasonic spray coating
• ISSN: 0947-8396; 1432-0630
• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-023-06692-0

Kesterite Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) has emerged as a potential alternative absorber for thin-film solar cells (TFSCs) and tandem applications owing to their earth-abundant, non-toxic materials and suitable direct bandgap (1.5 eV). This work reports the synthesis of CZTS molecular inks and subsequent deposition by ultrasonic spray coating. Clear and stable molecular inks of CZTS are synthesized with methanol as a solvent in a controlled environment. Characterization of the deposited material revealed smooth, homogeneous and compact films of pure single phase p-type kesterite, with an energy bandgap of 1.52 eV and activation energy of 44 meV. Fabrication of photovoltaic (PV) functional layers via ink-based deposition have the potential to bring down costs and allow sustainable growth of the technology.