Synthesis of FeS2 Nano Crystals for Ink-Based Solar Cells

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlthough pyrite (FeS2) is abundant, getting a single-phase pyrite thin film is difficult due to the coexistence of various phases of iron and sulfur in nature. We propose an ink-based process for attaining the pyrite phase of iron sulfide. This work involves degassing Iron (II) chloride in an octadecylamine solution and later reflux with addition of sulfur in diphenyl ether at 200°C. The process yielded phase-pure single crystalline pyrite nanocrystals which were later cleaned and dispersed in chloroform for uniform suspension. Thus obtained nanocrystals were deposited as thin films using drop casting and spin coating. Solar cells were fabricated using CdS as an n-type window layer in a superstrate configuration. When tested, the superstrate type FeS2 nanoparticle cell showed 0.03% with high Voc of 565 mV.