Multi-layered nanoscale cellulose/CuInS2 sandwich type thin films

Michael Weißl; Thomas Rath; Jürgen Sattelkow; Harald Plank; Samuel Eyley; Wim Thielemans; Gregor Trimmel; Stefan Spirk

doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.063

Multi-layered nanoscale cellulose/CuInS₂ sandwich type thin films

Carbohydr Polym. 2019 Jan 1:203:219-227. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.063. Epub 2018 Sep 26.

Authors

Michael Weißl¹, Thomas Rath², Jürgen Sattelkow³, Harald Plank³, Samuel Eyley⁴, Wim Thielemans⁴, Gregor Trimmel⁵, Stefan Spirk⁶

Affiliations

¹ Graz University of Technology, Institute of Paper, Pulp and Fibre Technology, Inffeldgasse 23A, 8010, Graz, Austria.
² Graz University of Technology, Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8020, Graz, Austria. Electronic address: thomas.rath@tugraz.at.
³ Graz University of Technology and Centre for Electron Microscopy, Institute for Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis, Steyrergasse 17, 8010, Graz, Austria.
⁴ Renewable Materials and Nanotechnology Research Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven Campus Kulak Kortrijk, Etienne Sabbelaan 53, 8500, Kortrijk, Belgium.
⁵ Graz University of Technology, Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials, NAWI Graz, Stremayrgasse 9, 8020, Graz, Austria.
⁶ Graz University of Technology, Institute of Paper, Pulp and Fibre Technology, Inffeldgasse 23A, 8010, Graz, Austria. Electronic address: stefan.spirk@tugraz.at.

PMID: 30318207
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.09.063

Abstract

A generic procedure for the manufacturing of cellulose-metal sulfide multilayered sandwich type thin films is demonstrated at the example of copper indium sulfide. These multilayers were created by alternate spin coating steps of precursors, followed by their conversion using either acidic vapors, or heat treatment. As precursors, cellulose xanthate, a widely available cellulose derivative employed in viscose fiber manufacturing and commercial copper and indium xanthates were used. After conversion of the single layers into cellulose and copper indium sulfide, the film properties (structure, thickness, photoelectric activity) of the single and multilayer systems consisting of alternate layers of cellulose and copper indium sulfide were studied. For the proof of concept, up to five layers were built up, showing a clear separation of the cellulose and the metal sulfide layers as demonstrated using cross sectional analysis using ion slope beam cutting and SEM imaging. Finally, the conversion of xanthates was performed using UV light and a mask, allowing for the creation of 2D patterns.

Keywords: Cellulose thin films; Cellulose xanthate; Copper indium sulfide; Metal xanthates; Multilayer systems.