A hybrid vapor phase-solution phase CZT(S,Se) growth technique is provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a kesterite absorber material on a substrate includes the steps of: depositing a layer of a first kesterite material on the substrate using a vapor phase deposition process, wherein the first kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se; annealing the first kesterite material to crystallize the first kesterite material; and depositing a layer of a second kesterite material on a side of the first kesterite material opposite the substrate using a solution phase deposition process, wherein the second kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se, wherein the first kesterite material and the second kesterite material form a multi-layer stack of the absorber material on the substrate. A photovoltaic device and method of formation thereof are also provided.

A hybrid vapor phase-solution phase CZT(S,Se) growth technique is provided. In one aspect, a method of forming a kesterite absorber material on a substrate includes the steps of: depositing a layer of a first kesterite material on the substrate using a vapor phase deposition process, wherein the first kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se; annealing the first kesterite material to crystallize the first kesterite material; and depositing a layer of a second kesterite material on a side of the first kesterite material opposite the substrate using a solution phase deposition process, wherein the second kesterite material includes Cu, Zn, Sn, and at least one of S and Se, wherein the first kesterite material and the second kesterite material form a multi-layer stack of the absorber material on the substrate. A photovoltaic device and method of formation thereof are also provided.

A quantum rod, a synthesis method of the quantum rod and a quantum rod display device are discussed. The quantum rod according to an embodiment includes a core, a first shell covering the core, and a second shell covering a side of the first shell. In the quantum rod, a first thickness of the first shell is greater than a second thickness of the second shell, and a first length of the first shell is smaller than a second length of the second shell.

According to exemplary embodiments, a method of synthesizing tin (Sn)-doped Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanostructures for electroluminescent white light source includes coating a substrate, including a silicon oxide layer, with Sn by vacuuming depositing Sn as catalyst nanostructures on the substrate, placing the substrate coated with Sn in a furnace, introducing a carrier flow gas into the furnace, adding a ZnS power to the furnace, growing ZnS nanostructures, and dissolving Sn in the growing ZnS nanostructures. The S vacancies are on a surface of the ZnS nanostructures. The ZnS nanostructures are grown on the substrate having a temperature in a range of 750 C. to 850 C.

Techniques for achieving band gap grading in CZTS/Se absorber materials are provided. In one aspect, a method for creating band gap grading in a CZTS/Se absorber layer includes the steps of: providing a reservoir material containing Si or Ge; forming the CZTS/Se absorber layer on the reservoir material; and annealing the reservoir material and the CZTS/Se absorber layer under conditions sufficient to diffuse Si or Ge atoms from the reservoir material into the CZTS/Se absorber layer with a concentration gradient to create band gap grading in the CZTS/Se absorber layer. A photovoltaic device and method of forming the photovoltaic device are also provided.

According to exemplary embodiments, a method of synthesizing tin (Sn)-doped Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanostructures for electroluminescent white light source includes coating a substrate, including a silicon oxide layer, with Sn by vacuuming depositing Sn as catalyst nanostructures on the substrate, placing the substrate coated with Sn in a furnace, introducing a carrier flow gas into the furnace, adding a ZnS power to the furnace, growing ZnS nanostructures, and dissolving Sn in the growing ZnS nanostructures. The S vacancies are on a surface of the ZnS nanostructures. The ZnS nanostructures are grown on the substrate having a temperature in a range of 750 C. to 850 C.

A method to produce thin film solar cells in superstrate or substrate configuration is an efficient way to minimize the loss due to absorption in CdS layer and to eliminate the CdCl.sub.2 activation treatment step. This is achieved by applying a sacrificial metal-halide layer between the CdS-layer and the CdTe-layer of the solar cells.

A quantum rod, a synthesis method of the quantum rod and a quantum rod display device are discussed. The quantum rod according to an embodiment includes a core, a first shell covering the core, and a second shell covering a side of the first shell. In the quantum rod, a first thickness of the first shell is greater than a second thickness of the second shell, and a first length of the first shell is smaller than a second length of the second shell.

According to exemplary embodiments, a method of synthesizing tin (Sn)-doped Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanostructures for electroluminescent white light source includes coating a substrate, including a silicon oxide layer, with Sn by vacuuming depositing Sn as catalyst nanostructures on the substrate, placing the substrate coated with Sn in a furnace, introducing a carrier flow gas into the furnace, adding a ZnS power to the furnace, growing ZnS nanostructures, and dissolving Sn in the growing ZnS nanostructures. The S vacancies are on a surface of the ZnS nanostructures. The ZnS nanostructures are grown on the substrate having a temperature in a range of 750 C. to 850 C.

The present invention relates to colloidal quantum dots, to a process for producing such colloidal quantum dots, to the use thereof and to optoelectronic components comprising colloidal quantum dots.