Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Response from Copper Antimony Zinc Sulfide Thin Films on Transparent Conducting Electrode

Abstract EN

Copper antimony sulfide (CAS) is a relatively new class of sustainable absorber material, utilizing cost effective and abundant elements.

Band gap engineered, modified CAS thin films were synthesized using electrodeposition and elevated temperature sulfurization approach.

A testing analog of copper zinc antimony sulfide (CZAS) film-electrolyte interface was created in order to evaluate photoelectrochemical performance of the thin film of absorber materials.

Eu3+/Eu2+ redox couple was selected for this purpose, based on its relative band offset with copper antimony sulfide.

It was observed that zinc has a significant effect on CAS film properties.

An enhanced photocurrent was observed for CAS film, modified with zinc addition.

A detailed investigation has been carried out by changing stoichiometry, and corresponding surface and optical characterization results have been evaluated.

A summary of favorable processing parameters of the films showing enhanced photoelectrochemical response is presented.