Preparation and properties of radio-frequency-sputtered half-Heusler films for use in solar cells

Abstract The class of half-Heusler compounds opens possibilities to find alternatives for II–VI or III–V compound semiconductors. We aim to find suitable substitutes for the cadmium sulphide buffer layer in chalcopyrite-based thin film solar cells, where the buffer layer is located between the p-type chalcopyrite absorber and an n-type transparent window layer. We report here the preparation of radio-frequency-sputtered lithium copper sulphide “LiCuS” and lithium zinc phosphide “LiZnP” films. The optical analysis of these films revealed band gaps between 1.8 and 2.5 eV, respectively. Chemical properties of the film surface and both interfaces between the film and a Cu ( In , Ga ) Se 2 layer…