Synthesis of single source molecular precursors for the development of metal sulfide thin films for photovoltaic applications

This study examines the synthesis of mononuclear metal complexes that contain alkylxanthate (Xn), dialkyldithiocarbamate (dtc) and alkylthioxanthate (Txn) ligands, and analyses their potential as single source molecular (SSM) precursors for the development of metal sulfide materials. Metal complexes containing these ligands are useful for this purpose as they display clean decomposition pathways coupled with a low decomposition temperature, and therefore can allow for the formation of metal sulfide materials on a variety of substrates. The mononuclear complexes detailed in this thesis give a solid foundation for future, exciting work to be undertaken in this field.