Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals by solvothermal method

A high-yield synthesis route to obtain phase-pure, highly crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals with controlled Cu/(Zn + Sn) ratio is reported. The material properties were investigated to understand the effect of initial precursor concentrations on the stoichiometry of CZTS nanocrystals. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) showed that the particle size is less than 10 nm in stoichiometric CZTS. The formation of pure kesterite phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, HRTEM, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy.

► Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals were synthesized using a high-yield process.
► Particle size of obtained nanocrystals was less than 10 nm.
► Composition of Cu2ZnSnS4 depends on initial precursor concentration.
► Structural, morphological and optical properties were evaluated.