[(Ph3P)2Ag(μ-SeCH2Ph)2In(SeCH2Ph)2]: a new heterobimetallic single source precursor as a springboard to bulk, nano and thin film ternary AgInSe2 materials

Abstract

Silver indium selenide (AgInSe₂) has been proposed as an efficient absorber material for sustainable solar cells. Phase pure preparation of this exotic material in the nano regime is highly desirable. This report describes the design and synthesis of a new heterobimetallic complex [(Ph₃P)₂Ag(μ-SeCH₂Ph)₂In(SeCH₂Ph)₂] along with its structural characterization. This complex acts as an air enduring, normal temperature and pressure (NTP) stable versatile single source precursor for synthesizing bulk, nanocrystalline and thin film of AgInSe₂. The crystal structure, phase purity, morphology, elemental composition and band gap of the synthesized materials were determined from powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS-UV), respectively. The band gap of the nanocrystalline AgInSe₂ lies in the range suitable for solar cell applications. A prototype photoelectrochemical cell fabricated with the pristine AgInSe₂ nanoparticles exhibits high photoresponsivity, which makes them a suitable candidate for clean energy applications.