Solution processed Cu2NiSnS4 nanoparticles: Potential absorber material for thin film solar cells

The effect of solvent on phase and morphology of Cu₂NiSnS₄ (CNTS) nanoparticles synthesized via hot injection was studied. Wurtzite phase of CNTS was observed to change to cubic phase on changing the solvent from Oleylamine to dodecanethiol. CNTS films prepared by coating the nanoparticle based ink over the fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate were subsequently annealed in different atmospheres (argon and sulfur). The annealing atmosphere was found to have an impact on optical properties and photoresponse of the CNTS film. The obtained band gap (1.4 eV) and photoresponse behavior under illumination suggests CNTS to be the promising semiconductor material for cost effective absorber layer in thin-film solar cells.