Aqueous-based Binary Sulfide Nanoparticle Inks for Cu₂ZnSnS₄ Thin Films Stabilized with Tin(IV) Chalcogenide...

Cu₂ZnSnS₄(CZTS) is a promising semiconductor material for photovoltaic applications,with excellent optical and electronic properties while boasting a nontoxic, inexpensive, andabundant elemental composition. Previous high-quality CZTS thin films often required eithervacuum-based deposition processes or the use of organic ligands/solvents for ink formulation,which are associated with various issues regarding performance or economic feasibility. To addressthese issues, an alternative method for depositing CZTS thin films using an aqueous-basednanoparticle suspension is demonstrated in this work. Nanoparticles of constituent binary sulfides(Cu_xS and ZnS) are stabilized in an ink using tin(IV)-based, metal chalcogenide complexes such as[Sn₂S₆]^4-. This research paper provides a systematic study of the nanoparticle synthesis and inkformulation via the enabling role of the tin chalcogenide complexing power, the deposition of highqualityCZTS thin films via spin coating and annealing under sulfur vapor atmosphere, theirstructural characterization in terms of nanocrystal phase, morphology, microstructure, anddensification, and their resultant optoelectronic properties.