Effect of composition on the Raman response of the Cu2(Fe x Zn1-x)SnS4 and Cu2(Mn x Zn1-x)SnS4 solid solutions

We have examined the effect of composition on the Raman-active vibrational response of the Cu-2(FexZn1-x)SnS4 and Cu-2(MnZn1-x)SnS4 solid solution series at ambient conditions. Based on these results we were able to identify the phase boundaries of the respective kesterite-type and stannite-type structures adopted by these compounds as a function of composition. In the case of Cu-2(FexZn1-x)SnS4, our observations correlate very well with earlier reports. For the Cu-2(Mn-x Zn1-x)SnS4 series, on the other hand, we were able to clearly pinpoint the kesterite <-> stannite transition for intermediate compositions for the first time, indicating that Raman spectroscopy can serve as an efficient method for monitoring subtle structural transitions in these systems.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of composition on the Raman-active vibrational response of the Cu-2(FexZn1-x)SnS4 and Cu-2(MnZn1-x)SnS4 solid solution series at ambient conditions. The phase boundaries of the respective kesterite-type and stannite-type structures in these compounds were identified. Raman spectroscopy has been proven to be an efficient method for monitoring subtle structural transitions in these systems.