
Abstract The photoelectrochemical performance of naturally occurring single and multicrystalline Kesterite or Cu2(Zn,Fe)SnS4 (CZTS) is presented. Elemental analyses of the crystals indicate high sulfur to metal atomic ratios and the presence of 12.3–14.5 at% of iron presumably in the 2+ metal site replacing zinc in the lattice. Raman spectroscopy indicates the possible presence of a Cu2SnS3 impurity phase. Photocurrent spectroscopy measurements give a bandgap of 1.61–1.63 eV, higher than most reported values for pure Cu2ZnSnS4 films. Mott–Schottky measurements show that these crystals have a high doping density of about 1019 cm−3, that reduces to about 1017 cm−3 after a brief etch in 10% KCN (aq.) solution. Although still low, the carrier diffusion length is increased by the removal of surface defects. This work demonstrates the ability to simply and easily evaluate the photovoltaic potential for a plethora of naturally occurring semiconducting materials.
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 9 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Average | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
