Preparation and characterization of CuInSe2 particles via the hydrothermal route for thin-film solar cells

CuInSe2 powders with a chalcopyrite structure used in thin-film solar cells were successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method at low temperatures within short durations. Well-crystallized CuInSe2 particles were formed via the hydrothermal reaction at 180 °C for 1 h. The concentrations of stabilizer, triethanolamine (TEA), significantly affected the purity, morphology and particle sizes of the prepared powders. Increasing the reaction duration and temperatures led to decrease the amount of second phase In(OH)3 and resulted in the formation of pure CuInSe2. Densified CuInSe2 thin films were prepared from ink printing with the addition of the flux. Increasing the selenization temperatures increased the grain size and improved the crystallinity of CuInSe2 films.

► A new hydrothermal process for preparing copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2).
► Well-crystallized CuInSe2 particles are obtained at 180 °C for 1 h.
► Densified CuInSe2 thin films are prepared from ink printing.
► Increasing temperatures result in an improvement of properties of CuInSe2 films.