Earth abundant semiconductor nanoparticles are potentially useful light absorbers in photovoltaics with improved cost-to-efficiency ratios. Toward this end, we have developed phase-selective syntheses of various copper-sulfide-based nanocrystals with band gaps between 0.86 and 1.2 eV, near the range of optimal solar energy conversion. Monoclinic and tetragonal chalcocite (Cu2S), bornite (Cu5FeS4), and Cu4SnS4 have all been obtained. While monoclinic chalcocite has been well-studied, the other materials require further investigation of their electronic properties. In the last decade, electrochemical techniques have been used to accurately determine the band edge positions and gaps of various nanoparticles. These are important parameters for predicting how electrons will transfer between these semiconductors and other materials. Presented here are cyclic voltammetry studies of copper-sulfide-based nanoparticles.

Electrochemical studies of copper-sulfide-based nanoparticles

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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