Enhancing Copper-Tin Sulfide thin films with Triethanolamine as a complexing agent

Abstract

Copper Tin Sulfide (CTS) thin films have garnered attention for their potential in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. However, their properties require enhancement for high-efficiency applications. This study explores the impact of Triethanolamine (TEA) as a complexing agent on CTS thin films deposited on soda-lime glass substrates using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. A comparative analysis was conducted between CTS thin films without a complexing agent (CTSNO) and those with TEA as a complexing agent (CTSTEA). The film properties were evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrical and optical analyses. The results indicate that CTSTEA exhibits superior crystallinity, reduced crystallite size, and improved surface morphology compared to CTSNO. Additionally, CTSTEA shows enhanced conductivity (7.52 × 10⁻¹¹ Ω⁻¹ versus 3.86 × 10⁻¹¹ Ω⁻¹ for CTSNO) and controlled optical absorption. These properties make CTSTEA more suitable for high-efficiency applications. The higher band gap of CTSTEA (3.7 eV) and its optical properties, such as UV blocking and high transparency in the visible range, highlight its potential for use in solar cells, UV-protective coatings, and photonic devices. Overall, CTSTEA emerges as a more versatile material, offering improved performance for technologies that require precise control over light absorption and minimal energy loss.