Editors: | F. Kongoli, M. de Campos, S. Lewis, S. Miller, S. Thomas |
Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
Publication Year: | 2019 |
Pages: | 171 pages |
ISBN: | 978-1-989820-12-4 |
ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
ABSTRACT:
The high demand for energy due to global population boost and industrialization is currently satisfied by coal, natural gas and fossil fuels. This results in their high prices and also impacts negatively on the environment [1]. Photovoltaic technologies is believed to hold the solution to the challenge of pollution and global warming. Compound semiconductor nanomaterials have emerged as new building blocks for the construction of light energy harvesting assemblies, and have opened up new ways to utilize renewable energy resources. Earth-abundant ternary nanomaterials have attracted considerable attention for eco-friendly and low-cost solar cells [2].
This study reports the synthesis of Cu2SnS3, a ternary metal sulphides nanoparticles, with light absorbing properties, from earth abundant elements. The compound, classified as I-II-VI semiconductor, possesses interesting optoelectronic properties such as p-type conductivity, high chemical stability, high absorption coefficient of about 105 cm-1 and band gap of 1.1-1.7eV [3]. The method devised for the synthesis of these ternary nanoparticles was the solvothermal decomposition of dual single source precursors in oleylamine, using cheap, readily obtainable and easy to handle dithiocarbamate complexes [4]. This route afforded monodispersed nanopartcles of different sizes and morphologies. The optical characterization and electrochemical studies showed that the synthesized Cu2SnS3 are capable of converting solar radiation to electrical energy.