Structural, optical and magnetic properties of Cu2NiSnS4 thin films deposited by facile one-step electrodeposition

Multifunctional quaternary semiconductor Cu2NiSnS4 (CNTS) thin films have been successfully deposited on ITO glass substrates using a facile one-step electro-deposition method. The CNTS films with perfect stoichiometric ratio present a pure stannite phase after post-annealing at 550 °C in H2S/N2 mixed atmosphere. The band gap of 1.61 eV means great potential in low-cost thin film solar cells. The relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties is discussed.