Crystallization optimization of the 40GeSe2-40Sb2Se3-20CuI glass for improvement of photoelectric properties

A novel photoelectric glass-ceramic with the heterojunction microstructure was prepared by controlling the growth of nanocrystals in the 40GeSe(2)-40Sb(2)Se(3)-20CuI glass. The DSC, XRD, SEM, and photo-electrochemical measurement were adopted to investigate the influence of different crystallization processes on the microstructure and properties of as-prepared glass-ceramics. The results show that the optimum nucleation temperature and duration are respectively around 225 degrees C and 90 mm, and the Sb2Se3 rods crystallize firstly in the matrix, followed by the in-situ growth of conductive Cu2GeSe3 nanocrystals on the Sb2Se3, leading to interconnected conductive channels. These conductive channels are essential for improving the conductivity and the photocurrent. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.