Synthesis of polycrystalline chalcopyrite semiconductors by microwave irradiation

Polycrystalline samples of the chalcopyrites CulnS(2), CulnSe(2), and CulnSSe were Prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of the pure elements by microwave irradiation. The reactions were performed in sealed quartz tubes in as few as 3 minutes. The products were analyzed by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The surface morphology and shape of the particles produced by this method suggest that the products are formed from liquid melts. This method could be applied to the production of bulk chalcopyrite as sources for thin film growth.