Optimization of quaternary compound kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) optical band gap using dip-coating for photovoltaic absorbers

Optimization of quaternary compound kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) optical band gap using dip-coating for photovoltaic absorbers | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Optimization of quaternary compound kesterite Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) optical band gap using dip-coating for photovoltaic absorbers Marius Armand Amou, Bouchaib Hartiti, Ahmed Ziti, Fransisco Kouadio Konan, and 8 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6757382/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 12 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study focuses on the synthesis of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) thin films, a promising material for photovoltaic absorbers, using the sol-gel method combined with dip-coating technique, and optimized through a Taguchi design of experiments. Six factors were investigated (annealing temperature and time, dip-coating speed, solvent type, copper concentration, sulfur-to-metal ratio), each at three levels, according to a L27 orthogonal array. Analysis of the results, based on the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA), highlighted the predominant influence of annealing time, followed by annealing temperature and dip-coating speed, on the optical band gap energy (Eg). The optimal configuration (A3B3C1D1E3F1) yielded a band gap of 1.5 eV, which is ideal for thin-film solar cell applications. Structural (XRD, Raman), morphological (SEM), optical (UV-Vis, Tauc), electrical (four-point probe), and chemical (EDS) characterizations confirmed the formation of a pure CZTS phase, free from secondary phases, with good crystallinity, high absorption (α > 10⁴ cm⁻¹), and suitable conductivity (σ ≈ 13.61 S/cm). These results demonstrate the relevance of the adopted approach for the fabrication of high-performance CZTS thin films, compatible with the requirements of photovoltaic devices. By this method, the optical band gap was adjusted to the optimal 1.5 eV, ensuring better light absorption. CZTS sol-gel dip-coating Taguchi thin films photovoltaics Full Text Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 10 Jun, 2025 Reviews received at journal 10 Jun, 2025 Reviews received at journal 09 Jun, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 06 Jun, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 06 Jun, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 31 May, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 31 May, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 31 May, 2025 Editor invited by journal 31 May, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 29 May, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 29 May, 2025 First submitted to journal 27 May, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6757382","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":463545765,"identity":"61245358-09bd-4849-ac96-97480be73d12","order_by":0,"name":"Marius Armand 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