Review on Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 thin films and their photovoltaic performance

• Published in: Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry (Seoul, Korea) 2019, 76(0), , pp.39-74
• Main Authors: Minnam Reddy, Vasudeva Reddy, Pallavolu, Mohan Reddy, Guddeti, Phaneendra Reddy, Gedi, Sreedevi, Yarragudi Bathal Reddy, Kishore Kumar, Pejjai, Babu, Kim, Woo Kyoung, Kotte, Thulasi Ramakrishna Reddy, Park, Chinho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cu2SnS3; Cu3SnS4; Cu4SnS4; Earth-abundant absorber material; Photovoltaic performance; Physical properties; 화학공학
• ISSN: 1226-086X; 1876-794X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2019.03.035

[Display omitted] •The phase diagrams of Cu–Sn–S were discussed.•The bulk and thin film properties of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 were presented.•The photovoltaic performance of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 solar cells were outlined.•The limiting factors in attaining the higher efficiencies of these cells were discussed. The rapid progress on the Cu–Sn–S (Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4) solar cells has opened a new avenue to generate the electrical energy at ultra-low-cost. Therefore, the progress in the deposition of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 thin films by various chemical and physical methods is reviewed comprehensively. This article briefly describes (i) the phase diagrams of Cu–Sn–S, (ii) the bulk properties of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4, (iii) the effect of deposition conditions on the phase formation, (iv) the physical properties of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 thin films, and (v) the photovoltaic performance of Cu2SnS3, Cu3SnS4, and Cu4SnS4 solar cells.