One-step CZT electroplating from alkaline solution on flexible Mo foil for CZTS absorber

C Marchi,S Binetti,L Magagnin,L Pedrazzetti,A Lucotti,G Panzeri,J Parravicini,M Acciarri,M I Khalil

doi:10.1007/s10008-021-04951-9

C Marchi, S Binetti + Show 7 more

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-021-04951-9

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Abstract

In this work, Cu-Zn-Sn (CZT) is co-electrodeposited onto a flexible Mo substrate exploiting an alkaline bath (pH 10). The plating solution is studied by cyclic voltammetry, highlighting the effects of potassium pyrophosphate (K4P2O7) and EDTA-Na2 on the electrochemical behavior and stability of the metallic ionic species. The optimized synthesis results in a homogeneous precursor layer, with composition Cu 44 ± 2 at. %, Zn 28 ± 1 at. %, and Sn 28 ± 2 at. %. Soft and reactive annealing are employed respectively to promote intermetallic phase formation and sulfurization of the precursor to obtain CZTS. Microstructural (XRD, Raman), morphological (SEM), and compositional (EDX, XRF) characterization is carried out on CZT and CZTS films, showing a minor presence of secondary phases. Finally, photo-assisted water splitting tests are performed considering a CZTS/CdS/Pt photoelectrode, showing a photocurrent density of 1.01 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. RHE under 1 sun illumination.Graphical abstract

Highlights

Nowadays, the need for green and renewable energy sources is urgent and solar technologies are one of the leading fronts of the new era of energy production
We report the co-electrodeposition of the CZT (Cu-Zn-Sn) metallic precursor layer from an alkaline solution on a flexible Mo-foil, followed by annealing/ sulfurization treatment to obtain CZTS
A ruthenium-based mixed metal oxide (MMO) anode was used as a counter electrode (CE), and a saturated Ag/AgCl (3 M) (SSC) electrode (ESSC = +0.210 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at 25 °C) was used as a reference electrode (RE)

Summary

Introduction

The need for green and renewable energy sources is urgent and solar technologies are one of the leading fronts of the new era of energy production. The traditional synthesis route comprises the deposition of the metallic precursors (Cu, Zn, Sn) followed by annealing in a sulfur atmosphere to promote the kesterite phase formation. We report the co-electrodeposition of the CZT (Cu-Zn-Sn) metallic precursor layer from an alkaline solution on a flexible Mo-foil, followed by annealing/ sulfurization treatment to obtain CZTS.

Results

Conclusion