Low-cost spray-processed Ag1−xCuxInS2 nano-films: Structural and functional investigation within the Lattice Compatibility Theory framework

• CuxAg1−xInS2 with a minimal lattice mismatch between absorbers and buffers.
• The lattice compatibility for understanding silver–copper kinetics.
• Controlled and enhanced spray pyrolisis method as a low-cost synthesis protocol.

This work deals with some structural and optical investigations about CuxAg1−xInS2 alloys sprayed films and the beneficial effect of copper incorporation in AgInS2 ternary matrices. The main purpose of this work is to obtain the band gap energy Eg as well as different lattice parameters. The studied properties led to reaching minimum of lattice mismatch between absorber and buffer layers within solar cell devices. As a principal and original finding, the lattice compatibility between both silver and copper indium disulfide structures has been proposed as a guide for understanding kinetics of these materials crystallization.

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