Solvent mediated rapid synthesis of orthorhombic Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)

• Quaternary orthorhombic Cu2ZnSnS4 was synthesized by the solvent mediated thermolysis process.
• Homogeneous distribution of the constituents was evaluated by STEM.
• Process is simple, robust, one-pot, and rapid.
• Cu2ZnSnS4 showed direct band gap of 1.47 eV, suited ideally for photovoltaic applications.
• Formation of Cu2ZnSnS4 proceeded through Cu3SnS4 nucleation.

Low-cost photovoltaic material, Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) in orthorhombic symmetry was synthesized by a solvent mediated thermolysis process at low temperatures and characterized by suitable analytical techniques. Elemental mapping and homogeneity of the final products were confirmed from STEM analysis. Further, evidence of orthorhombic symmetry of CZTS has been gathered from HR-TEM, electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy techniques. CZTS showed band gap of 1.47 eV as estimated from UV–visible spectroscopy measurements.

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