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The order-disorder transition in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} – A neutron scattering investigation

Journal Article · · Journal of Solid State Chemistry
 [1];  [2]
  1. Institut für Chemie, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17.Juni 135, 10623 Berlin (Germany)
  2. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr.1, 85748 Garching (Germany)

In this work a series of stoichiometric Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} (CZTS) samples annealed at different temperatures in the range of 473–623 K were investigated. The temperature dependence of the Cu/Zn-order-disorder behavior was analyzed by neutron powder diffraction measurements. Cu fully occupies the 2a and Sn the 2b position within the whole temperature range. For Zn and the remaining Cu on sites 2d and 2c, a clear change from ordered to disordered kesterite structure is found. The critical temperature T{sub c} for this Landau-type second order transition was determined as 552±2 K. It was found that in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} very long annealing times are necessary to reach equilibrium at low temperatures. - Graphical abstract: The order-disorder transition in Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} was investigated using neutron diffraction techniques on samples annealed in the temperature range of 473–623 K. The critical temperature T{sub c} for this Landau-type second order transition was determined as 552±2 K. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The order-disorder transformation of Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} follows a Landau‐type behavior for a second order transition. • The critical exponent β is 0.57±0.06. • The critical temperature was determined as 552±2 K. • A fully ordered (within the standard deviation) Cu{sub 2}ZnSnS{sub 4} sample was synthesized.

OSTI ID:
22584105
Journal Information:
Journal of Solid State Chemistry, Journal Name: Journal of Solid State Chemistry Vol. 238; ISSN 0022-4596; ISSN JSSCBI
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English