Growth and optimization of spray coated Cu2BaSnS4 thin films for solar photovoltaic application

Quaternary multicomponent Cu2BaSnS4 (CBTS) has emerged as a potential absorber material due to its abundant and nontoxic constituents, high absorption coefficient (10−4 cm−1) and suitable bandgap (1.5–2.0 eV) for the solar photovoltaic application. In this study, polycrystalline CBTS thin layers have been deposited by a typical spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates using different substrate temperatures (Ts = 200, 250, 300 and 350 °C) followed by annealing in a sulfur-rich atmosphere at 550 °C under an argon flow. The (micro-)structural, compositional, and optical properties of both types of films have been studied. Analysis of x-ray diffractogram (XRD) patterns for all acquired films showed the presence of polycrystalline CBTS alongside various secondary phases, including Cu2SnS3 being predominant. Nonetheless, the XRD of the films deposited at 250 °C and annealed at 550 °C showed only the CBTS phase. Raman spectroscopy confirm the formation of the trigonal phase of CBTS. The presence of Cu, Ba, Sn and S in CBTS thin films was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Scanning electron micrographs show a smooth and dense structure with enhanced crystallinity and improved uniformity. Overall, the physical properties of CBTS thin films were found to be spray deposition temperature dependent. An appropriate optical band gap of 1.6 to 1.8 eV and a compact structure indicate their prospective for solar cell applications. [Display omitted]