1. Synthesis and characterization of Ce-incorporated CuInS2 chalcopyrites.
- Author
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Xiao, Lingling, Zhu, Jun, Ding, Tiezhu, Wang, Yanlai, Fan, Yue, and Bo, Qingrui
- Subjects
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CERIUM , *COPPER compounds synthesis , *CHALCOPYRITE , *POWDER metallurgy , *X-ray diffraction - Abstract
CuInS 2 thin films incorporating with cerium have been successfully fabricated by a powder metallurgy method. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope measurements showed that the as-prepared CuIn 1− x Ce x S 2 samples crystallize with chalcopyrite structure at 250 °C and the crystallinity and film compactness could be improved as annealing temperature rises. In the ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectrum, two additional light absorption peaks were observed at 1690 nm and 1930 nm. The optical bandgaps of CuIn 1− x Ce x S 2 films decrease from 1.38 eV to 1.34 eV with increasing cerium content. These observed optical behaviors could suggest that an intermediate band forms in the forbidden band of CuInS 2 semiconductor due to cerium incorporation. The position of intermediate band locates at 0.64 eV below conduction-band bottom. This kind of rare-earth doped materials enhances long-wavelength absorption, which could be helpful for high-efficiency solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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