Facile one pot synthesis of single phase kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals

Abstract

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals were synthesized by employing facile one pot thermal decomposition method. In this study, the influence of reaction time (30 min, 1,2,4 and 8 h) on the structural, morphological and compositional properties of CZTS nanocrystal was investigated. Structural analysis showed presence of Cu2-xS phase in the CZTS nanocrystals synthesized for lesser than 2 h. As the reaction time proceeds, Zn2+ and Sn4+ cations diffuse into Cu2-xS lattice and lead to the formation of single phase CZTS. Morphological analysis showed CZTS nanocrystals with irregular shape as well as inhomogeneous size distribution with respect to various reaction time. The composition of CZTS nanocrystals was found to be approaching the targeted value (Cu: Zn: Sn: S = 2:1:1:4) as the reaction time increases.