Efficient visible-light-driven water splitting performance of sulfidation-free, solution processed Cu2MgSnS4 thin films: Role of post-drying temperature

This report presents the fabrication of Cu2MgSnS4(CMTS) thin films by using sol-gel, spin coating technique without sulfurization process. The structural, morphological, optical and photoelectrochemical properties were systematically investigated with respect to the variation in post-drying temperature ranging from 250 to 400 degrees C. The XRD patterns indicates the formation of tetragonal structure. Also the crystallinity of the thin films has improved with the increase in temperature. The uniform morphology of the thin films were examined by FESEM images up to a processing temperature of 300 degrees C. But with increase in post-drying temperature cracks and pinholes appear on the films. From the absorbance results a decrease in the estimated bandgap values from 1.999 to 1.775 eV was observed with increase in the temperature. From the photoelectrochemical measurements a substantially better enhancement of (similar to)472% in terms of photocurrent density was obtained for 300 degrees C sample at 0 V (vs. RHE) under visible light illumination. These above obtained results indicates the suitability of the CMTS thin films in water splitting applications.