The structural, transport and optical properties of screen printed CuxS thick films

The structural, transport and optical properties of screen printed CuxS thick films with possible application in photovoltaic and photothermal devices are reported. The X-ray diffraction studies show that the screen printed films are stable up to about 220°C in air and belong to the CuxS structure. Above this temperature it decomposes mainly to CuSO₄. The electrical conductivity depends on the sintering temperature and the amount of flux, Cu(NO₃)₂, used in the paste for screen printing. The differential scanning calorimetry studies reveal the phase changes occurring during heating and pertaining to the dependence of electrical conductivity on the sintering temperature. A configuration consisting of screen printed CuxS on chemically deposited and annealed (at 200°C) CdS thin film exhibited rectification.