Amorphous precursor compounds for CuInSe2 particles prepared by a microwave-enhanced aqueous synthesis and its electrophoretic deposition

Abstract

Amorphous precursor compounds for CuInSe₂ particles and films were prepared using a microwave enhanced method in aqueous solution. In this simple and rapid reaction, the precursor compounds were synthesized with uniform morphology and amorphous phase under microwave heating at 180 °C for 30 min and a pH value of 5. This amorphous compound was used as a precursor for the preparation of pure chalcopyrite CuInSe₂ particles by a post reduction process. The post reduction processes were carried out in the presence of selenium powder in an Ar (2% H2–98% Ar) atmosphere at different temperatures (300 °C, 400 °C & 500 °C) for 3 h. We find that the pure chalcopyrite CuInSe₂ particles prepared (at 500 °C) in this approach are suitable for the formation of uniform, crystalline and dense CuInSe₂ thin films for further application in solar cells. Pure, porous and uniform CuInSe₂ films were obtained using electrophoretic deposition techniques followed by annealing. The as-prepared amorphous precursor compounds and chalcopyrite CuInSe₂ particles were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX elemental analysis and ICP.