Investigation of the growth process and properties of CuIn 5S 8 and AgIn 5S 8 spinel thin films

Abstract

We investigated the preparation of CuIn 5S 8 and AgIn 5S 8 spinel thin films by sulphurization of Cu–In and Ag–In alloy films in sulphur vapour. We found that a good adhesion to the substrate (Mo-coated glass) could be achieved by the introduction of a Ti layer between the substrate and the spinel layer. A layer of a titanium sulphide was formed at the interface between Ti and the spinel layer. CuIn 2 and AgIn 2 phases in the Cu–In and Ag–In precursor alloy films and phases of cubic CuIn 5S 8 and AgIn 5S 8 spinels have been detected by X-ray diffraction. Most of the films show n-type conductivity. The electron concentration varies from the intrinsic to 10 18 cm −3.