CuInSe2 coatings prepared using solvothermal-synthesized CuInSe2 particles

CuInSe2 (CIS) coatings were obtained on glass and Mo-coated glass substrates by sintering solvothermally synthesized CIS nanoparticles. This sintering was performed using a horizontal furnace in the presence of Se vapors. Sintering time, temperature, and heating rate were varied to study their effects on the resulting film characteristics. CuSe and In2Se3 were used as the sintering aid and for composition control, respectively. Two kinds of crucibles were used for sintering, one allowing the free escape of Se vapors and the other limiting the escape of Se vapors. It was found that the sintering is closely related to supply of the Se vapor to the samples while the Se supply depends on the sintering conditions and substrate type.