Phase relations in the ternary Cu-Ga-In system

摘要

The phase relations of the Cu-Ga-In system were investigated in a composition range which is relevant for the production of Cu(In,Ga)Se_2 based thin film solar cells. The alloys Cu_(16)(In_(1-y)Ga_y)_9, Cu_9(Ga,In)_4 and elemental In could be identified as the equilibrium phases of a ternary subsystem in the Cu-Ga-In phase diagram. The coexisting phases are well developed until 220℃. In the case of Cu_9Ga_4 it is remarkable that the solubility of In in Cu_9Ga_4 highly increases with increasing temperature. Consequences for the selenization of metallic Cu-In-Ga precursors are discussed.