Application of Sintering Method to Prepare Perfectly Densified and Oriented CuInS2 Crystals

Solid state reaction by sintering the finely powdered starting binary compounds, Cu2S and In2S3 was carried out to prepare homogeneous and stoichiometric CuInS2 crystals. Perfectly densified (with 100% theoretical density) and highly oriented CuInS2 crystals were obtained by sintering and annealing at 1050°C for 60 hours followed by slow cooling, using a pressed compact of the starting materials within a closely fitted carbon crucible. Appearance of the preferred (112) top surface of the crystal is utilized as a substrate crystal for homoepitaxial growth.