Facile one-pot synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 quaternary nanoparticles using a microwave-assisted method

Abstract

In this communication, we proposed a novel method for synthesizing Cu₂ZnSnS₄ (CZTS) nanoparticles by facile microwave-assisted heating. The powders of Cu₂ZnSnS₄, synthesized at 265 °C for 15 minutes in one pot followed by annealing in a glove box or a sulphur atmosphere, are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, (S)TEM, EDS, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, DLS and Hall effect measurement. The material possessed a CZTS crystal structure with Cu-poor stoichiometry and an optical band-gap of 1.5 eV.