Synthesis and characterization of Cu(In(x)B(1-x))Se2 nanocrystals for low-cost thin film photovoltaics

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Mar 23;133(11):3704-7. doi: 10.1021/ja108812j. Epub 2011 Feb 24.

Abstract

Chalcopyrite quaternary semiconductor Cu(In(x)B(1-x))Se(2) nanocrystals have been successfully prepared via a relatively simple and convenient solvothermal route. The effect of different solvents on the formation of the product also indicates that diethylenetriamine is the optimal solvent for this reaction. The device parameters for a single junction Cu(In(x)B(1-x))Se(2) solar cell under AM1.5G are as follows: an open circuit voltage of 265 mV, a short-circuit current of 25.90 mA/cm(2), a fill factor of 34%, and a power conversion efficiency of 2.34%. Based on a series of comparative experiments under different reaction conditions, the probable formation mechanism of crystal Cu(In(x)B(1-x))Se(2) nanorods is proposed.