Exploring the Thermal Stability of Sb₂Se₃ for Potential Applications through Advanced Thermal Analysis Methods

Antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) is a promising material for energy applications, including photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and photodetectors, due to its favorable electronic properties, availability, and low toxicity. However, its thermal stability, crucial for device efficiency and reliability, has been less explored, leaving a gap in understanding its high-temperature suitability. This study evaluates the thermal stability of Sb₂Se₃ using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results show that Sb₂Se₃ remains stable up to 500 °C, with two significant weight loss stages: 1.75% between 500 and 610 °C, and 3.50% between 610 and 775 °C, indicating decomposition processes. Activation energies for the decomposition phases were determined as 121.8 and 57.2 kJ/mol using the Coats-Redfern method. Additionally, an endothermic phase transition was observed between 599 and 630.6 °C via DSC analysis. These findings demonstrate Sb₂Se₃'s potential for high-temperature energy applications, providing essential insights for optimizing its use in solar cells, thermoelectric devices, and other technologies.