Solution route processed and organically-Capped Quinary CuIn1-xGax(SySe1-y)2 (CIGSSe) inks for use in low-cost photovoltaics

Abstract

Multicomponent chalcogenides are a class of derived materials that present a compelling vision that allows for the realization of benefits that are limited in their pristine counterparts. CIGSSe is one such material that constitutes the dual role of prominent chalcogens, i.e., sulfur and selenium. The benefits possessed due to both sulfur and selenium's presence influence the improvement in properties compared to their other counterparts. The dual role offered by both the constituents is noteworthy as one of them, i.e., sulfur, aids in enhancing the material's bandgap. Simultaneously, the other, i.e., selenium, is responsible for eliminating the porosity in thin-films of these chalcogenides. Comparing the properties of individual CIGSe and CIGS with quinary CIGSSe can lead to the discernment of a material with properties particularly desirable for the potential photovoltaic absorber. To the best of the author's knowledge, the quinary CIGSSe nanocrystals' colloidal synthesis employs organic ligands-TOP(tri octyl phosphine)/TOPO (tri octyl phosphine oxide) has been reported for the first time. Technologically, this solution-based synthesis's main benefit is the ease of formation of the colloidal-ink for a scalable film formation on various compatible substrates (rigid/flexible) via the printing route for photovoltaics application.