First spray pyrolysis thin film fabrication of environment-friendly Cu₂BaSnS₄ (CBTS) nanomaterials

Cu₂BaSnS₄ thin films have been successfully deposited for the first time onto ultra clean glass substrates using spray pyrolysis, a simple and low-cost technique. Elemental, structural, optical and photoelectrochemical properties of the annealed (in sulphur rich atmosphere at 450 °C for 30 min) Cu₂BaSnS₄ thin films have been studied. XRD reveals that the CBTS film is a single phase favorably crystalline. XPS and SEM-EDX confirmed elements distribution on the CBTS surface with minor organic impurities. Raman analysis showed that the films are dominated by the presence of trigonal CBTS. Optical measurements confirmed high absorption ability of the CBTS.