One-step CZT electroplating from alkaline solution on flexible Mo foil for CZTS absorber

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry 2021-06, Vol.25 (6), p.1807-1813
• Main Authors: Marchi, C., Panzeri, G., Pedrazzetti, L., Khalil, M. I., Lucotti, A., Parravicini, J., Acciarri, M., Binetti, S., Magagnin, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Copper; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemistry; Electroplating; Energy Storage; Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acids; Foils; Intermetallic phases; Original Paper; Photoelectric effect; Photoelectric emission; Physical Chemistry; Plating baths; Precursors; Substrates; Sulfurization; Tin; Water splitting
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-021-04951-9

In this work, Cu-Zn-Sn (CZT) is co-electrodeposited onto a flexible Mo substrate exploiting an alkaline bath (pH 10). The plating solution is studied by cyclic voltammetry, highlighting the effects of potassium pyrophosphate (K 4 P 2 O 7 ) and EDTA-Na 2 on the electrochemical behavior and stability of the metallic ionic species. The optimized synthesis results in a homogeneous precursor layer, with composition Cu 44 ± 2 at. %, Zn 28 ± 1 at. %, and Sn 28 ± 2 at. %. Soft and reactive annealing are employed respectively to promote intermetallic phase formation and sulfurization of the precursor to obtain CZTS. Microstructural (XRD, Raman), morphological (SEM), and compositional (EDX, XRF) characterization is carried out on CZT and CZTS films, showing a minor presence of secondary phases. Finally, photo-assisted water splitting tests are performed considering a CZTS/CdS/Pt photoelectrode, showing a photocurrent density of 1.01 mA cm −2 at 0 V vs. RHE under 1 sun illumination. Graphical abstract