Rapid one-step mechanochemical synthesis of ternary semiconductor AgSbS2 for photovoltaic applications

Abstract Ternary AgSbS 2 semiconductor was prepared by one-step mechanochemical synthesis using a planetary ball mill from elemental silver, antimony, and sulfur after 30 min of milling. The cubic AgSbS 2 with an approximate crystallite size of 56 nm was successfully produced, as confirmed by the Rietveld refinement. The Raman spectrum confirmed the formation of pure AgSbS 2 . Morphology characterization using SEM demonstrated the homogeneity of the prepared AgSbS 2 . UV–Vis spectroscopy showed the suitability of the prepared AgSbS 2 for photovoltaic applications, as the optical band gap energy value of 1.67 eV and 1.68 eV was determined from absorbance and transmission measurements for AgSbS 2 powder and AgSbS 2 thin film, respectively. Photoresponse of AgSbS 2 was verified by photocurrent spectroscopy as well as I–V measurements. The photoresponsive current showed 2.3 times increase at 1 V for AgSbS 2 powder and 1.6 times increase for AgSbS 2 thin film under illumination compared to the current in the dark state. To verify the photoelectric properties for photovoltaic application Si/AgSbS 2 diodes were prepared by depositing a thin AgSbS 2 film from the AgSbS 2 powder on n- Si substrate. The I–V characteristics of diodes show a relatively good rectification effect and sensitivity to illumination in spectral range 500–1100 nm.