Cation exchange synthesis of CuIn(x)Ga(1−x)Se(2) nanowires and their implementation in photovoltaic devices

CuIn(x)Ga(1−x)Se(2) (CIGS) nanowires were synthesized for the first time through an in situ cation exchange reaction by using CuInSe(2) (CIS) nanowires as a template material and Ga-OLA complexes as the Ga source. These CIGS nanowires maintain nearly the same morphology as CIS nanowires, and the Ga/In ratio can be controlled through adjusting the concentration of Ga-OLA complexes. The characteristics of adjustable band gap and highly effective light-absorbances have been achieved for these CIGS nanowires. The light-absorbing layer in photovoltaic devices (PVs) can be assembled by employing CIGS nanowires as a solar-energy material for enhancing the photovoltaic response. The highest power conversion efficiency of solar thin film semiconductors is more than 20%, achieved by the Cu(In(x)Ga(1−x))Se(2) (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. Therefore, these CIGS nanowires have a great potential to be utilized as light absorber materials for high efficiency single nanowire solar cells and to generate bulk heterojunction devices.