Copper and iron chalcogenides for efficient solar absorption

This dissertation outlines two approaches for improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of photovoltaic energy generation. First, the structures of known binary copper and iron compounds are used to choose the promising compositions Fe2XS4 (X = Si, Ge), Cu3TaQ4 (Q = Se, Te), and BaCuQ'F (Q' = S, Se, Te). The syntheses of these materials are described, and their optical and electrical properties are discussed. The second approach is to utilize solution deposition as a method that can cover large areas with thin films very quickly. Two simple aqueous precursors are spin coated to produce Fe oxides. These thin films are reacted with flowing H2S (g) to convert to the promising absorber FeS2 pyrite, and then characterized optically and electrically.