RF-Powered Sputtering of Iron Pyrite for Photovoltaic Applications

In the current study, two-dimensional FeS2 thin films were produced on a variety of substrates using a plasma-assisted, radio frequency (RF)-powered sputtering process. The purpose of this work was to investigate the suitability of these films for use in photovoltaic applications. A variety of methods were utilized in order to describe the FeS2 films. Solar applications were then evaluated using the thin films in their produced state. Pyrite films had outstanding absorption in the UV/Vis range, and calculations using the Tauc's plot indicated a broad band gap of approximately 2.25 eV. The construction and examination of solar devices revealed increased current production when exposed to sun conditions, indicating that the material is acceptable for use in photovoltaics.