Low Temperature Solution-Phase Deposition of SnS Thin Films

Abstract

The solution-phase deposition of inorganic semiconductors
\nis a promising, scalable method for the manufacture of
\nthin film photovoltaics. Deposition of photovoltaic materials
\nfrom molecular or colloidal inks offers the possibility of
\ninexpensive, rapid, high-throughput thin film fabrication
\nthrough processes such as spray coating. For example, CdTe,
\nCu(In,Ga)(S,Se)_2 (CIGS), and CH_3NH_3Pb(Cl,I)_3 perovskite-based
\nthin film solar cells have been previously deposited using
\nsolution-based processes. Inks have also recently been
\ndeveloped for the solution deposition of Cu_2ZnSn(S,Se)_4
\n(CZTS) and FeS_2 (iron pyrite) absorber layers for thin film
\nsolar applications, in order to provide sustainable alternatives to
\nmaterials that contain environmentally harmful heavy metals
\n(e.g., Cd, Pb) and/or scarce elements (e.g., Te, In).