title: Template based precursor route for the synthesis of CuInSe2 nanorod arrays for potential solar cell applications.
abstract: Polycrystalline CuInSe2 (CISe) nanorods are promising for the fabrication of highly efficient active layers in solar cells. In this work we report on a nanocasting approach, which uses track-etched polycarbonate films as hard templates for obtaining three-dimensionally (3D) arranged CISe nanorod arrays. Copper and indium ketoacidoximato complexes and selenourea were employed as molecular precursors. Arrays of parallel isolated cylindrical pores of 100 nm nominal diameter and 5 μm length were used for the infiltration of the precursor solution under inert atmosphere, followed by drying, thermal conversion into a preceramic 'green body', a subsequent dissolution of the template, and a final thermal treatment at 450 °C. The nanorods that where synthesised in this way have dimensions equal to the pore sizes of the template. Investigation of the CuInSe2 nanorod samples by spectroscopic and diffraction methods confirmed a high purity and crystallinity, and a stoichiometric composition of the CISe ternary semiconductor compound.
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Mikhail
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pashchanka
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bang
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Niklas S A
authors.initials: NSA
authors.lastname: Gora
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Ildiko
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Balog
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Rudolf C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.affiliation: Fachbereich Chemie, Eduard-Zintl-Institut, Fachgebiet Anorganische Chemie, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 18, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Jörg J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Schneider
keywords: CIS; light absorption; nanocasting; nanorod arrays; precursor synthesis