Abstract
A new technique, “CISCuT”, for the preparation of polycrystalline single-phase CulnS 2 thin films for solar applications has been developed. In a continuous roll-to-roll process a copper tape is at first electrochemically plated with an In layer. This tape undergoes in a second step at about 600°C a rapid sulfurization process at atmospheric pressure. Structural and electrical characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM, EDXS, I/ V-characteristics) reveals that in this high-speed, highly productive process photoactive CuInS 2 is formed. Single-phase CIS films of about 1.5 μm thickness, consisting of grains with 1–2 μm lateral dimensions are grown. The present state of understanding of the CuInS 2 formation is discussed in some detail. First solar cells prepared from this material show efficiencies around 6%. The new experimental approach described here is promising to become an effective low-cost method for the production of thin-film CIS absorber layers without any vacuum step. The continuous growth process from roll to roll is possibly a way to make solar cell and modul production competetive with conventional energy generation.
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