Formation and characterization of single-step electrodeposited Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films: Effect of complexing agent volume

The Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films have been prepared on Mo-coated soda lime glass substrates at room temperature by single-step electrodeposition method. The morphological, compositional and structural characteristics of the prepared thin films have been explored. The surface morphology properties showed that the grain sizes of CZTS thin films were smaller with increasing complexing agent volume in quaternary ion solution. The chemical compositions reveal that the CZTS thin films prepared using the volume of 25 mL tri-sodium citrate are nearly stoichiometric. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the annealed CZTS thin films have a kesterite structure including secondary metal and metal sulfide phases. It is found that the tri-sodium citrate as complexing agent volume in quaternary ion solution affects the quality of CZTS thin films. (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.