Phase transformation during simultaneous chalcogenization of CuIn(S,Se)₂ thin films using metalorganic sources

Simultaneous chalcogenization of CuIn(S_y,Se_1-y)₂ (CISSe) thin films has been demonstrated using organometallic sources such as diethylselenide [(C₂H₅)₂Se] and ditertiarybutylsulfide [(t-C₄H₉)₂S] to obtain homogeneous CISSe pseudobinary alloys with controlled amounts of Se and S species. Low-temperature chalcogenization at 300 C resulted in the formation of Cu-SSe and In-SSe alloys diffused into the Cu₁₁In₉ metallic precursor. On the other hand, high-temperature chalcogenization produced CISSe thin films without additional phases. The obtained results can be used for elucidating the mechanism of simultaneous chalcogenization and development of high-performance and cost-effective commercial applications. (copyright 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)