Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 monograin powders with different compositions

The effect of changes in the composition ratios of Cu/(Zn+Sn) and Zn/Sn in initial precursor mixtures on the final composition and properties of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) monograin powders has been investigated. EDX studies revealed that Cu/(Zn+Sn) concentration ratios in the single phase powders can be changed only from 0.92 to 0.95 and Zn/Sn ratios only from 1.0 to 1.03. Raman spectra of all powders showed main peaks around 287, 338, and 375 cm(-1) characteristic for CZTS materials. Larger deviations from stoichiometry results in CZTS powder crystals with secondary phases, identified as Sn2S3, SnS2, Cu2-xS and ZnS. All CZTS monograins have p-type conductivity with an electrical resistance in the range of 1.3x10(3) to 1.6x10(4) Omega, depending on the initial composition of the precursor mixture. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Organizers of European Materials Research Society (EMRS) Conference: Symposium on Advanced Inorganic Materials and Concepts for Photovoltaics.