Solar cells via selenization of CuInS2 nanocrystals: Effect of synthesis precursor

Solar cells are fabricated by selenizing CuInS₂ nanocrystals synthesized from various precursors to determine the effect of precursor on device performance. Copper and indium iodides, chlorides, acetates, acetylacetonates and nitrates are used to synthesize sphalerite CuInS₂ nanocrystals, which are drop cast onto Mo coated glass. Selenization results in chalcopyrite CuIn(S,Se)₂ films, which are fabricated into devices exhibiting ~5% efficiency regardless of precursor. Variations in nanocrystals are investigated with TEM, XRD and EDS while film formation is studied with SEM and XRD. Devices fabricated with a SLG/Mo/CISSe/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO/Ag structure are studied with JV under simulated AM1.5G, EQE and CV. It is determined that impurities resulting from the choice of nanocrystal synthesis precursor did not significantly limiting device performance during this study.