Non-vacuum deposition of aqueous-based CuInxGa1−xSe2 (CIGS) nanoparticles for solar applications

CuIn_xGa_1-xSe₂ (CIGS) as an absorber material in solar cells is already known to present a less toxic alternative to current solar cells based on toxic elements such as CdTe. CIGS developed as nanoparticles in solution are ideal for non-vacuum deposition methods which help achieve lower-cost solar cells, compared to high vacuum deposition methods. This study investigates deposition, processing, and characterization of aqueous-based CIGS nanoparticles. The films are deposited via sono-deposition, spin coating method, and drop cast method. The as-deposited thin films are characterized via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscope, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM, and STEM). The films are then annealed via Pulsed Thermal Processing (PTP) technique, and post-PTP characterization shows change in the morphology of CIGS nanoparticles.