Mechanism study of structure and morphology control of solvothermal synthesized Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles by using different sulfur precursors

Wurtzite and kesterite structured CZTS nanoparticles were synthesized by a solvothermal method using C2H5NS, CS(NH2)2 and Na2S2O3·5H2O, respectively. Time dependent XRD, EDS and Raman spectra measurements indicated that the different reaction processes or conditions had a great effect on the structural properties and phase purities of CZTS nanoparticles. XPS spectra confirmed their valence states. CZTS were mainly sphere-like and sheet-like particles when Na2S2O3·5H2O and CS(NH2)2 were used as the sulfur precursors, respectively. The band gaps of as-synthesized CZTS nanoparticles were about 1.48–1.51 eV, which were very suitable for photovoltaic applications.