Solvothermal synthesis and characterization of quaternary Cu2ZnSnSe4 particles

Quaternary chalcogenide Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) particles for low cost thin film solar cells were synthesized utilizing a facile solvothermal method. Depending upon different solvents and temperatures, different morphologies and desired chemical composition of CZTSe particles were obtained. The as-obtained particles were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction pattern, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and UV–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectra. XRD results revealed that the temperature of 250 °C is suitable for the solvothermal synthesis of CZTSe. UV–vis absorption spectra showed the as-obtained CZTSe particles had strong absorption of visible light and their energy band gaps were tunable; these findings are relevant to the size and morphology of CZTSe particles and are of interest for solar cells.