Influence of hydrogen plasma treatment on secondary phases in CZTS thin films for energy harvesting

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films deposited using direct current magnetron sputtering and sulfurized at argon atmosphere pressures of 950, 460, and 50 mbar are studied in a view of solar cell absorber fabrication. The main novelty in the work is the influence of the radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field treatment on the Cu2-xS secondary phase. The treatment reduces the amount of the Cu2-xS secondary phase, which is confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The RF effect is long-term, at least one year later. So, this treatment is a promising technique to achieve higher purities of CZTS absorber layers for solar cells.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field treatment on the Cu2-xS secondary phase in CZTS thin films, demonstrating a reduction in the amount of the secondary phase and long-term effectiveness. This treatment shows promise as a technique to achieve higher purities in CZTS absorber layers for solar cells.