Synthesis and Characterization of the First Liquid Single-Source Precursors for the Deposition of Ternary Chalcopyrite (CuInS₂) Thin Film Materials

Abstract

Molecular engineering of ternary single-source precursors based on the [{PBu3}2Cu(SR‘)2In(SR‘)2] architecture have afforded the first liquid CIS ternary single-source precursors (when R = Et, n-Pr), which are suitable for low-temperature deposition (<350 °C). Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and modulated DSC confirm their liquid phase and reduced stability. X-ray diffraction studies, EDS, and SEM support the formation of the single-phase chalcopyrite CuInS2 at low temperatures.