The Synthesis of Precursors for the Deposition of Photovoltaic Thin Films

Abstract

The work in the thesis describes attempts to synthesise precursors for the deposition of thin films for use in thin-film photovoltaic cells.Chapter One – Introduction provides a brief background to photovoltaic cells with specific detail given to thin-film photovoltaic cells. The concepts of chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and precursor design are discussed with relevant precursors are highlighted.Chapter Two – Xanthates provides details of the synthesis and characterisation of a series of metal xanthates. The materials chemistry of the xanthates is then discussed.Chapter Three – Dithiocarbamates provides details of the synthesis and characterisation of a series of metal dithiocarbamates. The materials chemistry of the dithiocarbamates is then discussed.Chapter Four – Materials Work on Cu2ZnSnS2 and CuSbS2 provides a discussion of attempts to deposit thin films of Cu2ZnSnS4 and CuSbS2 from the precursors discussed in chapters two and three.Chapter Five – Heterobimetallic precursors provides details of the synthesis and characterisation of a series of heterobimetallic precursors liked by chlorine bridges and subsequent attempts to replace the chlorine atoms with thiolate ligands.Chapter Six – Precursors for ZnO:F provides details of the synthesis and characterisation of a series of single source precursors designed for the deposition of ZnO:F thin films. The materials chemistry and subsequent CVD trials are then discussed.

Date of Award	30 Jun 2012
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath
Supervisor	Kieran Molloy (Supervisor)