Rapid anodic process for producing chalcopyrite compounds

摘要

A multiple step process to produce chalcopyrite compounds of the type, Cu(Inx Ga1-x)( Sy Se1-y)2, (e.g. CuInS2 or CuInSe2) involves depositing precursor layers of the metallic elements as stacked elemental layers or alloys of the elements followed by electrochemical conversion of the precursor layers into the chalcopyrite compound or alloy. The process involves the anodic sulphidisation or selenisation of the layers by passing an electric current through a solution of selenide/sulphide salts dissolved in an aqueous alkaline or neutral solution or an organic solvent. Annealing is used to complete the chemical reaction(s) to form the chalcopyrite compound and to improve the physical properties of the layers.