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Influence of deposition temperature and time on the optical behavior of sprayed Cu2SnS3 thin films

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Abstract

Copper tin sulfide (CTS) has potential as solar cell absorber, and its photovoltaic properties can be enhanced for future energy applications. The CTS thin films were prepared by spray pyrolysis method at different deposition temperatures and time using single-step process. X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples confirmed polycrystalline structure at higher temperatures and shorter deposition time, while, secondary phases were formed at higher temperature and longer deposition time. Scanning electron microscope micrographs showed that the CTS films have a homogeneous and dense morphology.

High optical absorption coefficient for all the samples determined from the absorption coefficient versus photon energy plot is above 3 × 104 cm−1 and near the fundamental absorption edge, making the CTS thin film suitable for solar cell applications. The band energy values of 1.51 eV observed in this study showed the potential application of this ternary material as an efficient absorber material for thin films used in photovoltaic industry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt

    A. M. A. Mohamed & Rasha Afify

  2. Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, British University, Cairo, Egypt

    Walaa A. E. Omar

  3. Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, Suez, Egypt

    Walaa A. E. Omar

  4. Department of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Dhofar University, Salalah, Oman

    Paul C. Okonkwo

  5. Solid State Physics Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12311, Egypt

    M. Boshta

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  1. A. M. A. Mohamed
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Correspondence to A. M. A. Mohamed.

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Mohamed, A.M.A., Afify, R., Omar, W.A.E. et al. Influence of deposition temperature and time on the optical behavior of sprayed Cu2SnS3 thin films. emergent mater. 3, 15–24 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42247-020-00075-4

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