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Synthesis and study of structural, optical, and electrical properties of nontoxic and earth-abundant Na(2)ZnSnS(4)material

Authors: Bousselmi, G; Khemiri, N; Benali, A; Graca, MPF; Santos, RF; Costa, BFO; Kanzari, M

Ref.: J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Electron. 31(21), 18858-18869 (2020)

Abstract: In this work, we report the structural, electrical, and optical properties of nontoxic and earth-abundant Na2ZnSnS4 (NZTS) material. NZTS powder has been successfully synthesized using an easy and nontoxic pathway: the solid-state reaction technique. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the structural properties of the NZTS. The synthesized powder crystallized in the stannite tetragonal structure with lattice parameters a = 6.48 Å and c = 9.12 Å. XRD and Raman characterizations showed the occurrence of the secondary phase Na4SnS4. Optical bandgap measurements were obtained from UV–Visible analysis and showed a high optical bandgap value of 3.32 eV and confirmed the presence of Na4SnS4. TEM micrographs provide a description of the morphology of NZTS. The HRTEM images reflect a preferred orientation along the {112} plane, which is consistent with the X-ray diffraction pattern. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of the four constituent elements of the NZTS within their corresponding composition. NZTS powder indicates a conductivity type n. A study of electrical conductivity was carried out by using the impedance spectroscopy. The frequency and temperature dependence of the complex electrical impedance and AC and DC conductivity were explored. These interesting results make the NZTS particularly attractive for solar cell applications and especially suitable as a window layer.

DOI: 10.1007/s10854-020-04424-1