Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films prepared by selenization of one-step electrochemically deposited Cu–Zn–Sn–Se precursors

In this research a non-vacuum strategy was reported in facile preparation of kesterite-type Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) thin films via selenization of one-step electrochemically prepared Cu–Zn–Sn–Se precursors. The Cu–Zn–Sn–Se precursor films were prepared by electrochemical deposition from electrolytes containing CuSO4, ZnSO4, SnCl4 and H2SeO3, and the substrate is a Mo coated soda-lime glass. The CZTSe thin films were obtained by annealing the electrochemically deposited films in the selenium vapors at the temperature of 550 °C. The crystal phases, micro-structures, chemical compositions and optical properties of CZTSe films have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), Raman scattering spectrum, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopic means. The results revealed that the electrolytes with Cu:Zn:Sn:Se molar ratio of 3:70:20:3 yields nearly pure phase of kesterite, and a band gap of 0.94 eV was determined by spectroscopic measurements.