Preparation of CuIn1−xGaxS2 (x = 0.5) flowers consisting of nanoflakes via a solvothermal method

► We report for the first time a small biomolecule-assisted route using l-cysteine as sulfur source and complexing agent to synthesis CuIn0.5Ga0.5S2 crystals. ► The possible mechanisms leading to CuIn0.5Ga0.5S2 flowers consisting of nanoflakes were proposed. ► In addition, the morphology, structure, and phase composition of the as-prepared CuIn0.5Ga0.5S2 products were investigated in detail by XRD, FESEM, EDS, XPS, TEM (HRTEM) and SAED.