Preparation and characteristics of CuInSe2 thin films by dip-coating method using its nanocrystal ink

Nanocrystal ink-coating technique is a low cost, less pollution, and non-vacuum solution based processing to produce CIS absorbing layers for photovoltaics, leading to low fabrication cost and eco-friendly process of solar cells. In this work, highly crystallized chalcopyrite CuInSe2 (CIS) nanocrystals were synthesized by a green and cheap air pressure hot injection method using 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and glycerol mixed solvent, and copper chloride, indium chloride and selenium dioxide as precursors. The synthesized CIS nanocrystals were used to prepare colloidal nanocrystal inks by dispersing them ultrasonically in absolute alcohol and deposit CIS thin films by dip-coating nanocrystal inks. Basic characterization data of the synthesized CIS nanocrystals and the ink-coated thin films were described by XRD, TEM, FESEM, EDS, UV–vis–NIR, and Hall measurements.

► We synthesize chalcopyrite CuInSe2 nanoparticles by air pressure hot injection route.
► It used green 1-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone/glycerol solvent and inorganic precursors.
► The nanoparticles were used to prepare colloidal ink and thin films by ink-coating.
► This route is promising in developing absorbing layers for low-cost solar cells.