(428d) Synthesis and Use of Inorganic Chalcogenide Nanoparticles and Thin Films for Solar Cells

I-III-VI₂ chalcopyrites (with I=Ag,Cu; III=In,Ga, and VI=S,Se), I₂-II-IV-VI₄ kesterites (with I=Ag,Cu; II=Zn; IV=Sn,Ge, and VI=S,Se), ABX₃ perovskites (A=Ba, B=Zr,Hf, X=S) are promising classes of inorganic chalcogenide semiconductors with outstanding material and optoelectronic properties. They constitute nontoxic elements and have a high light absorption coefficient, high carrier mobility and lifetime, direct and tunable band gap from near IR to UV range, excellent thermodynamic and photo stability, and most kesterite and chalcogenide perovskite members are composed of the earth-abundant elements. They hold the promise of being utilized in a wide range of electronic applications.

Our group has focused on synthesizing nanoparticles and thin films of these materials using solution chemistry for solar cell applications. In this talk, we will highlight some of our key findings, as well as the challenges associated with synthesizing and use of these materials. In particular, we will present results for Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)₂ and Cu₂Zn(Sn,Ge)(S,Se)₄ solar cells. Recent work on chalcogenide perovskites will also be presented. The promise and excitement of these materials and their synthesis processes will be shared.