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Process Optimization of Copper Antimony Sulfide Thin Films via Chemical Bath Deposition for High-Performance Photovoltaic Applications.
1 , 2 , 3 , * 4 , 4 , 4
1  Faculty of Graduate Studies, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
2  Faculty of Technology, University of Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
3  Department of Physical science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
4  Faculty of Technology, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, Belihuloya, Sri Lanka
Academic Editor: Said Al-Hallaj

Abstract:

Copper antimony sulfide (CuSbS₂) has the potential to be an excellent absorber material for thin-film solar cells. It has an optimal direct band gap of 1.5 eV, strong absorption coefficients >10⁴ cm⁻¹, and is composed of non-toxic and earth-abundant elements. However, the difficulty in growing properly stoichiometric and well-crystallized CuSbS₂ thin films by chemical bath deposition remains. This work aims to optimize the CBD conditions for the deposition of CuSbS₂ thin films by enhancing the uniformity, crystallinity, and optical quality of the material, which are critical for its application in solar cells. TiO electron transport layers on FTO glass substrates were prepared by the doctor blade technique. This technique provided a smooth surface for the CuSbS₂ thin film, which adhered properly. The CuSbS₂ thin film was prepared by dissolving SbCl₃ in acetone, Na₂S₂O₃, and CuCl₂ in a precursor solution. The thin film was then deposited at room temperature for 3 hours in a 50 ml bath. Solar cell architecture is described as follows: FTO/TiO₂/CuSbS₂/CuI/Pt-glass. The XRD patterns show the proper formation of the orthorhombic chalcocite CuSbS₂ phase. The strong (111) peak indicates the high crystallinity of the CuSbS₂ thin film. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed densely packed grains with minimal void spaces, indicating good surface coverage. The optical measurements, which included UV-Vis spectroscopy and Tauc plots, showed a direct band gap of 1.6 eV, which is optimal for solar energy absorption. The current research has shown that with optimized CBD conditions, good-quality CuSbS₂ films can be deposited, which is useful for efficient and sustainable solar energy conversion.

Keywords: Band Gap Tuning;Chemical Bath Deposition;Solar Cell Applications;Thin Films.
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