title: Synthesis of Copper-Antimony-Sulfide Nanocrystals for Solution-Processed Solar Cells.
abstract: The p-type nanocrystals (NCs) of copper-based chalcogenides, such as CuInSe2 and Cu2ZnSnS4, have attracted increasing attention in photovoltaic applications due to their potential to produce cheap solution-processed solar cells. Herein, we report the synthesis of copper-antimony-sulfide (CAS) NCs with different crystal phases including CuSbS2, Cu3SbS4, and Cu12Sb4S13. In addition, their morphology, crystal phase, and optical properties were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, UV-vis-near-IR spectroscopy, and photoemission yield spectroscopy. The morphology, crystal phase, and electronic structure were significantly dependent on the chemical composition in the CAS system. Devices were fabricated using particulate films consisting of CAS NCs prepared by spin coating without a high-temperature treatment. The CAS NC-based devices exhibited a diode-like current-voltage characteristic when coupled with an n-type CdS layer. In particular, the CuSbS2 NC devices exhibited photovoltaic responses under simulated sunlight, demonstrating its applicability for use in solution-processed solar cells.
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suehiro
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Horita
authors.forename: Masayoshi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yuasa
authors.forename: Tooru
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Katsuhiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fujita
authors.forename: Yoichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ishiwata
authors.forename: Kengo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shimanoe
authors.affiliation: #Department of Applied Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kumamoto University, Kurokami 2-39-1, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
authors.forename: Tetsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kida