Faculty of Physics - University of Bucharest

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FACULTY OF PHYSICS

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2024-11-23 17:46

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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2023 Meeting

Section: Solid State Physics and Materials Science, Optics, Spectroscopy, Plasma and Lasers

Title:

Formation and detection of Secondary Crystalline Phases in Cu2SnS3 Thin Films for Photovoltaic Applications

Authors:

Diana-Ștefania CATANA (1),Ciprian Augustin PARLOAGA (1), Mohamed Yassine ZAKI(2), Daniel SIMAMDAN(2), Florinel SAVA(2), Angel Theodor BURUIANA(2), Alin VELEA(2)

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Affiliation:

1)Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, Atomistilor 405, 077125, Magurele, Romania

2) National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A, Atomiștilor Street, P.O. Box M.G. 7, Magurele 077125, Romania

E-mail

alin.velea@infim.ro

Keywords:

Cu2SnS3, thin films, secondary phases, photovoltaics, characterization.

Abstract:

Cu2SnS3 (CTS) thin films have emerged as promising materials for sustainable photovoltaics due to their earth-abundant constituents and high-topping optoelectronic properties. However, the formation of secondary phases during the film synthesis poses challenges to achieving efficient and stable device performance. This study investigates the occurrence and impact of secondary phases in CTS thin films, shedding light on their formation mechanisms and their influence on the material’s structural, optical, morphological and compositional properties. Through a systematic experimental approach, we have synthesized CTS films by magnetron sputtering and we have explored various annealing treatments to understand the factors influencing secondary phase formation. Characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy are employed to identify and analyze the secondary phases present in the films. Additionally, we investigate the influence of these secondary phases on the optical properties of the films, SnxSy and Cu2-xS exhibiting a significant impact. These results reveal that the formation of secondary phases in CTS thin films is strongly dependent on the synthesis conditions, such as the elemental precursor ratios and annealing processes. Some theorethical implications on secondary phase formation tackling in-situ parameters during post – annealing and XRD measurements are to be discussed. Understanding the formation and effects of secondary phases in CTS thin films is crucial for minimizing their occurrence and mitigating their detrimental effects. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights into the optimization of manufacturing processes and the enhancement in the performance of CTS-based photovoltaic devices.

References:

A Two-Step Magnetron Sputtering Approach for the Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 Films from Cu2SnS3nS Stacks, Mohamed Yassine Zaki,Florinel Sava,Iosif-Daniel Simandan,Angel Theodor Buruiana,Ionel Stavarache, Amelia Elena Bocirnea,Claudia Mihai,Alin Velea and Aurelian-Cătălin Galca:ACSOmega2022,7,23800−23814

Coulter, J.B. and Birnie, D.P. (2018) Assessing Tauc Plot Slope Quantification: ZnO Thin Films as a Model System.

Acknowledgement:

NIMP authors acknowledge funding by the Core Program of the National Institute of Materials Physics, granted by the Romanian Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitization through the Project PC3-PN23080303.