Size tunable properties, self-assembly, and solution processability are just a few characteristics that make nanocrystals optimal building blocks for current and future electronic and optoelectronic devices. The efficiency of electronic and optoelectronic devices fabricated from these nanoscale materials is, however, dependent on the electronic communication between individual nanocrystals. Given the high surface to volume ratio of nanomaterials, surface chemistry plays a critical role in the electronic communication between individual nanocrystals, their optoelectronic properties, and overall device efficiency. Here, the influence of surface chemistry on the optoelectronic properties of CuSbS2 nanocrystal thin films, a promising solar absorber for photovoltaics, is described. In this work, CuSbS2 nanocrystal thin films were subject to chemical and mild thermal treatments. Chemical treatments yielded denser films as a result of the displacement of native ligands in the layer-by-layer ligand exchange process. Mild thermal treatments completely removed native ligands, leading to improved film crystallinity and conductivity, along with increased absorptivity and photocurrent response. These results demonstrate that manipulating the surface chemistry through mild chemical and/or thermal treatments can be used to optimize the optoelectronic properties of CuSbS2 nanocrystals for their use in thin film photovoltaic devices.

Tuning the optoelectronic properties of CuSbS2 nanocrystal thin films through surface chemistry

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.