Syntheses and X-ray diffraction, photochemical, and optical characterization of Cu2SixSn1-xS3 (0.4 < or = x < or = 0.6) for photovoltaic applications.

The study of the pseudobinary system Cu(2)SnS(3-)Cu(2)SiS(3) shows that a solid solution (Cu(2)Si(x)Sn(1-x)S(3)) exists in the range 0.4 < or = Si/(Sn+Si) < or = 0.6. Based on diffuse reflectance and photoelectrochemical measurements these compounds show potential as absorber materials for photovoltaic devices. The compounds were prepared at 850 degrees C from copper sulfide, silicon, tin, and sulfur and were analyzed with single-crystal (for x approximately 0.40) and powder diffraction techniques. Optical band gaps of 1.25, 1.35, and 1.45 eV were observed for the three compositions x = 0.39, 0.48, and 0.61; cathodic photocurrent occurring is significant.