Light induced morphological reforms in thin film of advanced nanomaterials for energy generation: A review

Recently, light sintering process commonly known as intense pulse light annealing has emerged as effective and fast sintering technique for various nanomaterials to obtain reformed advanced materials in technological applications. Light irradiation on the different materials of specific composition has been found to dramatically modify the morphology and composition as desired for targeted applications. The intense pulsed light sintering process being easy, fast and large area processing potential has significant advantage of roll-to-roll processing over conventional thermal annealing technique. This review focuses on the intense pulse light technique for processing of important nanomaterials, like Ag-nanomaterials, Cu-nanomaterials, CuInGaSe2, Cu2ZnSnS4, advanced nanomaterials for photovoltaic and carbon nanomaterials to obtain modified structures and properties.