Synthesis, characterization and alloying of Cu2ZnSnQ4 (Q=S, Se and Te) nanocrystals

•Cu2ZnSnQ4 nanocrystals, with Q=S, Se and Te, were grown by a colloidal synthetic approach.•Doping and alloying of these quaternary nanocrystals were demonstrated for the first time.•This standardized synthetic approach allows for bottom-up processing of these materials for energy-related applications.

Cu2ZnSnQ4 nanocrystals, with Q=S, Se and Te, were grown by a colloidal synthetic approach and characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and optical absorbance. We also demonstrate that doping and alloying at the nanoscale is possible by this approach. The results are discussed in terms of developing a standardized synthetic approach for the synthesis of quaternary nanocrystals, including doping and alloying, in order to allow for bottom-up processing of these materials for energy-related applications.

Graphical abstractWe developed a standardized synthetic approach for the synthesis of quaternary stannite Cu2ZnSnQ4 nanocrystals with Q=S, Se and Te including doping, alloying and Te-based compositions for the first time, in order to allow for bottom-up processing of these materials for energy-related applications.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide