Three-dimensional self-assembly of chalcopyrite copper indium diselenide nanocrystals into oriented films

ACS Nano. 2013 May 28;7(5):4307-15. doi: 10.1021/nn4008059. Epub 2013 May 8.

Abstract

CuInSe2, which is one of the highest efficiency thin-film solar cell active layer materials, has been an attractive target for nanocrystal synthesis and manipulation. Here, we report unprecedented, simultaneous control of the synthesis and self-assembly behavior of CuInSe2 nanocrystals. These nanocrystals are solution-processable, monodisperse tetragonal bipyramids that exhibit photoconductivity and self-assemble into crystallographically oriented thin films. Structural characterization indicates that these nanocrystals are tetragonal phase, as is used in high-efficiency, second-generation, thin-film solar cells. Elemental analysis indicates that approximately 1:1:2 Cu/In/Se stoichiometry can be achieved, and that the elemental composition can be adjusted from copper-rich to indium-rich with reaction time.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.