Band Alignment of the CuGaS2 Chalcopyrite Interfaces Studied by First-Principles Calculations

Abstract

The valence and conduction band offsets for both polar and nonpolar CuGaS2/CuAlSe2 and CuGaS2/ZnSe interfaces were studied here by the state-of-the-art first-principles calculations. Using the hybrid functional calculations, we show that the CuGaS2/CuAlSe2 and CuGaS2/ZnSe heterostructures in all interfaces form type II band alignment. The difference of valence and conduction band offsets is mainly due to lattice mismatch, generating stress in the interface and affecting the electronic properties of each material; meanwhile, the polarity configuration does not play an important role in these values. From the local density of states and the charge density, we can determine how the nature of the band alignments changes when the semiconductor conforms to each interface. This allows us to localize the electrons and holes at different sites of the interface.