Effect of UV irradiation on Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films prepared by the sol–gel sulfurization method

Abstract Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) thin films were fabricated on Mo-coated soda lime glass substrates by the sol–gel sulfurization method, which is a non-vacuum process. UV irradiation was introduced to the drying process, resulting in a significant increase in the grain size and density as well as a remarkable improvement in the crystallinity of the CZTS films. In addition, sulfurization of the Mo substrate was suppressed due to the increased density. We confirmed that the carbon/metal ratio in the precursor increased as a result of the UV irradiation.