Clean thermal decomposition of tertiary-alkyl metal thiolates to metal sulfides: environmentally-benign, non-polar inks for solution-processed chalcopyrite solar cells.

ABSTRACT: We report the preparation of Cu₂S, In₂S₃, CuInS₂ and Cu(In,Ga)S₂ semiconducting films via the spin coating and annealing of soluble tertiary-alkyl thiolate complexes. The thiolate compounds are readily prepared via the reaction of metal bases and tertiary-alkyl thiols. The thiolate complexes are soluble in common organic solvents and can be solution processed by spin coating to yield thin films. Upon thermal annealing in the range of 200-400 °C, the tertiary-alkyl thiolates decompose cleanly to yield volatile dialkyl sulfides and metal sulfide films which are free of organic residue. Analysis of the reaction byproducts strongly suggests that the decomposition proceeds via an SN₁ mechanism. The composition of the films can be

SUBMITTER: Heo J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5101475 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature