Synthesis of FeS2 Nano Crystals for ink based thin film solar cells
Abstract
With a band gap of 0.95 eV and high absorption coefficient (?10^5 cm-1), FeS2 is ideal for use as a p-type hetero-junction partner in a solar cell. Although pyrite is abundant in nature, getting the right phase for thin films is difficult due to the various phases of iron sulfides. We propose an ink based process for attaining the pyrite phase. Our experimental process involves use of low cost non-toxic chemicals for synthesis. The process involves reacting iron (II) chloride, 1, 2-hexadecanediol with 70% Oleylamine at 100 C for 1 hour followed by introduction of sulfur and reacting for 2 hours at 220 C. The reaction provides perfect nano crystals dispersed in a carbon based solution which is later subjected to centrifugation to separate the crystals. After multiple cleaning cycles, the crystals were dispersed in chloroform for uniform suspension. SEM image the film formed by drop casting followed by argon-annealing revealed that the nano-crystals were hexagonal with sizes ranging from 100-500nm with perfect symmetry. EDAX analysis showed the iron to sulfur atomic percentage ratio 1:1. The argon annealed film was then sulfurized using an organic sulfur source at 400 C, which gave a desired pyrite cubic phase. We will present the growth process and the efficiency data for this ink based FeS2 solar cell.
- Publication:
-
APS March Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- February 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012APS..MARA33002D