An Investigation of Nanocrystalline and Electrochemically Grown Cu2ZnSnS4Thin Film Using Redox Couples of Different Band Offset

Abstract

Alternative electrolytes were examined to evaluate photoelectrochemical response of Cu ₂ZnSnS ₄films at different biasing potential. Selections of the electrolytes were made on the basis of relative Fermi level position and standard reduction potential. Our search was focused on some cost-effective electrolytes, which can produce good photocurrent during illumination. Thin films were grown on FTO substrate using ink of nanocrystalline Cu ₂ZnSnS ₄particles as well as electrodeposition-elevated temperature sulfurization approach. Our investigations suggest that photoelectrochemical response is mostly due to conduction band-mediated process. Surface topography and phase purity were investigated after each electrochemical test, in order to evaluate film quality and reactivity of electrolytes. Raman examination of film and nanocrystals was conducted for comparison. The difference in photocurrent response was explained due to various parameters such as change in charge transfer rate constant, presence of dangling bond, difference in concentration of adsorbed species in electrode.