Open Access

ARTICLE

Synthesis and Characterization of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) Thin Films for Gas Sensor Applications

F. T. Ibrahim^1,*, A. A. Qassim², S. M. A. Al-Dujayli¹

1 Physics Department, College of Science, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, 10071, Iraq
2 College of Dentistry, Ibn Sina University of Medical and Pharmaceutical science, Baghdad, 21418, Iraq

* Corresponding Author: F. T. Ibrahim. Email:

Chalcogenide Letters 2025, 22(11), 929-937. https://doi.org/10.15251/CL.2025.2211.929

Received 22 June 2025; Accepted 03 November 2025;

Abstract

This work, pulse laser deposition technique was employee to synthesize Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films with different lasing energy (500, 600, 700, 800, 900 mJ). Through using different characterization technique to study structural, optical and gas sensing properties. the use of X-ray diffraction, the samples have polycrystalline with cubic structure. The EDX examination showed that the sample contains a suitable amount of Zn, Sn, Cu, and S atoms to form CZTS. UV-VIS measurement indicates that the synthesis of thin films employing a lower laser energy result in a drop in deposit sample thickness, which in turn reduces absorption and raises transmission. The electrical characteristics of CZTS thin films reveal that the mobility was decreased at 900 mJ, while the resistivity and carrier concentration were improved. The tested devices’ gas response to ammonia (NH₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) gases at varying operation temperatures was conducted. The results showed that the sample had a sensitivity of up to 37.57% at 200°C for NH₃ gas, while the sample had a sensitivity of up to 52% at 300°C for NO₂ gas.

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Keywords

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