Shape-controlled synthesis of semiconducting CuFeS2 nanocrystals

Nanocrystals of the semiconducting chalcopyrite CuFeS2 have been synthesized utilizing a facile solution-based method. Depending on the choice of precursors and synthesis conditions, the nanocrystals exhibit either a spherical (∼12 nm) or pyramidal morphology (∼30 nm), with a narrow size distribution. The band gap of the pyramidal nanocrystals is very close to the bulk value, but a larger band gap is obtained for the spherical nanocrystals likely because of size confinement effect.

Graphical abstractColloidal CuFeS2 nanocrystals with both spherical and pyramidal morphology have been synthesized using different synthesis conditions and their optical absorption properties characterized.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide