Synthesis and characterization of CZTS thin films from compound target deposited by RF sputtering method

Abstract

A potential way to improve the quality of Copper-Zinc-Tin-Sulfide (Cu2ZnSnS4(CZTS) absorber thin film by one step process of Radio Frequency (rf) sputtering using a single compound target is proposed for thin film solar cells. Structural and Optical characterizations were carried out using X-ray Diffractometer, Raman spectrophotometer and UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed hkl planes of (002), (110), (112) and (212). Raman results confirmed the existence of secondary phases of SnS, Cu2-xS and CTS. The optical absorption coefficient of the thin film was found to be greater than 104cm-1 indicating a direct band gap nature of the samples. The optical band energy was calculated and found to be in the range of 1.51eV to 2.4 eV. The band gap energy obtained is more appropriate for photovoltaic applications.