Synthesis, Characterization and Performance of Cu2SnSe3 for Solar Cell Application

Mostafa Shawky Eraky, Atef Y. Shenouda, Ibrahim A. Ibrahim

Abstract


Abstract - Cu2SnSe3 (CTSe) powders were prepared by solvothermal (SR) and solid state reactions (SSR) using low cost starting materials. The crystal structure, morphology, UV-Vis absorbance, electrochemical and solar energy properties were investigated using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and solar energy applications using I-V characteristics measurements. Also, the toxicity of elements like cadmium makes these materials lower applicable. A single cubic Cu2SnSe3 was obtained for the two methods of preparations. The calculated crystallite size values for CTSe prepared by SR and SSR are 24.1 and 30.3 nm, respectively. UV-Vis. spectra for SR and SSR preparations showed maximum absorbencies at 240 nm with band gap values of 0.9 and 1.4 eV, respectively. The charge transfer resistances (Rct) were equal to 3.5 and 24 W for photoelectrochemical cells (PEC) and the calculated conductivities were equal to 3x10-2 and 2x10-2 S.cm-1 for samples that prepared by SR and SSR methods, respectively. A good photoelectrochemical cell (PCE) was accomplished power conversion efficiency per unit area of about 0.84 and 0.64 % for cells prepared by SR and SSR, respectively.


Keywords


CTSe; Solvothermal; Solid State Reaction; Optical properties; Photoelcetrochemical cell (PEC).

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2017.03.3.244

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Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

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