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Temperature-Dependent Effects of FeS2 Thin Film Synthesized by Thermochemical Spraying: An Optical and Physicochemical Investigation

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Abstract

FeS2 pyrite films are used in a variety of applications including solar cells and, the potential scope for their utilization is increasing as their synthetic methods become more economical while maintaining or enhancing their high light absorption coefficients. The glass substrate temperature dependence on the formation of FeS2 pyrite films was investigated with respect to their optical and physicochemical properties. During the thermochemical spraying process the temperature was varied in the range of 190-290 °C. FeS2 nanocrystalline (40-70 nm) films, formed as a result of atmospheric spraying with glass substrate temperatures above 260 °C, were observed by SEM. Opto-electronic studies revealed that the nanocrystalline films had a direct band gap (1.3-1.6 eV) with a high light absorption coefficient (α > 7 × 104 cm−1 for λ < 1800 nm). Thus, this study offers an alternative to complicated methods for thin-film formation through spaying technology, for the synthesis of high-quality FeS2 pyrite films with potential application as high light-absorbing solar energy absorbers.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Science Council of R.O.C. under Grant No. NSC-98-2112-M-035-003-MY3, FCU/CSMU-103-2, TCVGH-FCU1038203, and the Precision Instrument Support Center at Feng Chia University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

    Chia-Tze Kao

  2. Department of Electronic Engineering, Feng Chia University, No. 100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, 40724, Taiwan

    Jen-Bin Shi, Chien-Wei Huang & Cheng-Li Lin

  3. Electrical and Communications Engineering, Feng Chia University, No 100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, 40724, Taiwan

    Hsuan-Wei Lee, Hsien-Sheng Lin & Po-Feng Wu

  4. Stem Cell Center, Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No. 160, 3rd Section, Taichung Harbor Rd., Taichung, 40705, Taiwan

    Fu-Chou Cheng

  5. School of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No. 110, Sec1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung, 40201, Taiwan

    Hung-Hsin Liu

  6. Department of Physics, Institute of Nanoscience, National Chung Hsing University, 250 Kuo Kuang Rd., Taichung, 40227, Taiwan

    Ming-Way Lee

  7. Department of Chemical Engineering, Feng Chia University, No. 100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, 40724, Taiwan

    Chih-Chieh Chan

  8. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Feng Chia University, No. 100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, 40724, Taiwan

    Chin-Yi Chen

  9. Department of Electronic Engineering, Hsiuping University of Science and Technology, Taichung, 41280, Taiwan

    Ming-Cheng Kao & San-Lin Young

  10. Dental Department, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung, 40201, Taiwan

    Chia-Tze Kao

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  1. Chia-Tze Kao
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  2. Jen-Bin Shi
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  3. Hsuan-Wei Lee
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  11. Chin-Yi Chen
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  14. Cheng-Li Lin
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Correspondence to Jen-Bin Shi.

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Kao, CT., Shi, JB., Lee, HW. et al. Temperature-Dependent Effects of FeS2 Thin Film Synthesized by Thermochemical Spraying: An Optical and Physicochemical Investigation. J Therm Spray Tech 25, 580–586 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-016-0379-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11666-016-0379-7

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