Production of single phase chalcopyrite CuInSe2 by spray pyrolysis

Abstract

Thin films (0.5–2 μ) of CuInSe2 were prepared by spray pyrolysis from solutions with various pH levels and initial Cu:In ratios, and in which the Cu source was either CuCl or CuCl2. The substrate temperature was varied between 225 and 300 °C. All films prepared with CuCl2 were chalcopyrite, while only Cu-rich CuCl based films exhibited this phase. The appearance of Cu2−xSe and/or Cu2/Se as a second phase was found to depend strongly on solution stoichiometry, pH, temperature, and substrate. Two layer structures consisting of a Cu-deficient layer on top of a Cu-rich layer were produced without the presence of any second phases on both glass and Mo-coated glass. This is the first time single phase chalcopyrite Cu-deficient layers have been fabricated by spray pyrolysis. A CuInSe2/CdS photovoltaic cell made from a single phase double layer filme on glass gave a Voc of 0.558 V after heat treatment. This Voc is higher than any reported to date. Absorption spectra have also been measured, and are found to improve when CuCl2 is used instead of CuCl.