Cation exchange of ZnS nanoparticles with Cu2+ and Sn2+ ions towards the formation of CZTS nanoparticles

• Main Author: Lai, Lionel Wei Qiang
• Other Authors: Lam Yeng Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Energy materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/55727
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is seen as a low cost, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative for solar cell materials. The efficiency of CZTS solar cells relies on the ability to control the composition, defects and morphology of the CZTS particles. The use of hot injection method for the synthesis of metal sulphides nanoparticles leading up to CZTS is the focus of this report. Cation exchange method is used to transform a metal sulfide to another, for example zinc to copper and tin, with the aim of achieving a ternary or quaternary compound. The emphasis is on exploring the effects of temperature and precursor concentrations on the morphology and final composition of the nanoparticles formed. Remarks and comparison of these changes in parameter are discussed.