π- cubic SnS and spinel-type Zn2GeO4: Strategies for the bulk synthesis of metastable compounds for solar energy conversion.

摘要

Metastable materials could greatly contribute to making green energy sustainable. Addressing common issues of solar cell materials, our focus lies on finding low-toxic and earth-abundant solutions for alternative photovoltaics. Herein, we discuss synthesis and characterization of metastable compounds for solar cells on two examples: The binary solar absorber π cubic SnS and the potential transparent conducting oxide spineltype Zn₂GeO₄. Besides highlighting the synthetic aspects for the formation of metastable compounds, we give insight into the assessment of their stability and will present further analyses of their characteristics.