Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanoparticles
AssigneeNanoco Technologies Ltd.
InventorsNathalie Gresty, Ombretta Masala, James Harris, Nigel Pickett
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Abstract
Materials and methods for preparing Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) layers for use in thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells are disclosed herein. The CZTS materials are nanoparticles prepared by a colloidal synthesis in the presence of a labile organothiol. The organothiol serves as both a sulphur source and as a capping ligand for the nanoparticles.
Claims21
A process for making Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles, comprising reacting a copper precursor, a zinc precursor and a tin precursor in the presence of an organothiol ligand.
A process for making a Cu2ZnSnS4 absorber layer comprising:
- a. depositing an ink on a substrate to form a film, wherein the ink comprises Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles comprising an organothiol ligand;
- and
- b. annealing the film at a first temperature not greater than 350° C., under an inert atmosphere.
A nanoparticle comprising a semiconductor material comprising Cu, Zn, Sn, S and a labile organothiol ligand bound to the surface of the semiconductor material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.