Optimisation of Polyacrylic Acid Usage as Surfactant in Hydrothermally Synthesised Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films for Application as Counter Electrode in Dye Sensitised Solar Cell

Authors

  • Kasim Ibrahim Mohammed
    Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru
  • Kasim Uthman Isah
    Federal University of Technology Minna
  • Uno Essang Uno
    Federal University of Technology Minna
  • Abdullahi Mann
    Federal University of Technology Minna
  • Mohammed Ahmed
    Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru
  • Najeebullah Yahuza
    Niger State Polytechnic Zungeru
  • Nafarizal Nayan

Keywords:

CZTS, Hydrothermal, Surfactant, Polyacrylic acid

Abstract

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) being an earth abundant material are non-toxic, low cost and belongs to the third generation photovoltaic (PV) material when used as counter electrode in dye sensitised solar cells. CZTS nanoparticle slurries were synthesised using hydrothermal method for application as counter electrode in dye sensitised solar cells. In order to optimise the synthesis process, the polyacrylic acid (PAA) used as surfactant in the precursor solution was varied thus: 0.0 g, 0.6 g, 1.0 g and 1.4 g. The XRD revealed peaks of CZTS (112) and (220) for the sample synthesised using 1.0 g PAA and in addition, numerous other peaks were observed for the remaining samples. The crystallite sizes ranged between 7 and 19 nm. Raman spectra of the films reveal CZTS peaks of 338, 351 and 252 cm-1 for samples synthesised using 1.0 g PAA precursor while ZnS, SnS, Cu3SnS3, Cu3SnS4, Sn2S3 secondary and ternary phases were observed for other amounts in addition to the 338 CZTS peak. SEM image show spherical nanoparticles and agglomerated nanosphere-like shapes. The Cu: Zn: Sn: S atom ratios were close to stoichiometry for 1.0 g polyacrylic acid and 0.6 g PAA. The surface roughness was between 800 and 1500 nm. The bandgap ranged between 1.51 eV and 1.54 eV. In order to test for the photovoltaic activity of the best CZTS materials film sample, it was used as a counter electrode in dye sensitised solar cell. The assembled cell after characterisation yielded an energy conversion efficiency of 3.2%.

Dimensions

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Published

2025-09-30

How to Cite

Optimisation of Polyacrylic Acid Usage as Surfactant in Hydrothermally Synthesised Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films for Application as Counter Electrode in Dye Sensitised Solar Cell. (2025). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 1(1), 99-109. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v1i1-2025-22

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics - Vol. 1 No. 1

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Optimisation of Polyacrylic Acid Usage as Surfactant in Hydrothermally Synthesised Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films for Application as Counter Electrode in Dye Sensitised Solar Cell. (2025). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 1(1), 99-109. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v1i1-2025-22