Effect of Annealing Atmosphere and Stabilizing Agent on the Formation of CZTS Film Using a Simple Dip Coating Technique

Abstract

Fabrication of CZTS film is proposed through non-hydrazine based dip coating technique. To obtain uniform, phase pure CZTS film, effects of annealing atmosphere and stabilizing agent Triethanolamine (TEA) on synthesis of CZTS thin film are investigated. Phase formation of CZTS films as well as mechanism behind reduction of voids and porosity in the film in presence of TEA is investigated. The complex formation of metal chlorides with methanol and the decomposition of Thiourea is discussed. X-Ray diffraction pattern and Raman spectra revealed the formation of kesterite structure of CZTS. SEM micrograph of CZTS film using TEA confirms the formation of less porous and more compact film. No significant change has been observed in morphology and composition of films annealed in N2 atmosphere and in presence of elemental sulfur with N2 as carrier gas which inferred that a simple nitrogen annealing itself is sufficient instead of a complex and harmful sulfurization process for the synthesis of uniform CZTS thin film.