Electrodéposition et caractérisation de couches minces métalliques ternaires CuZnSn

Abstract

One of the core problems facing humanity is our dependence on inexpensive energy currently produced from non-sustainable sources. Today, around 80 % of the global primary energy production is based on fossil fuels. Several different alternatives are available, where some of the more important are: photovoltaics. The work presented in this thesis is directed towards the synthesis of Earth abundant and low cost photoactive materials for solar cell fabrication. Among them, Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTS) is a promising one. For this purpose, ternary CuSnZn alloys were electrochemically grown and characterized as metallic precursors for the CZTS semiconducting thin films. The experimental conditions were optimized and the deposits characterized by various methods. It was found that the properties and composition of deposits are closely related to the synthesis conditions: applied potential, temperature, pH and composition of the electrolyte.