Cu2ZnSnS4 synthesized through a green and economic process

Quaternary chalcogenide Cu2SnZnS4 (CZTS), a promising absorber material in solar cells, was demonstrated synthesizable through self-sustaining reactions by using an environmental friendly and cost-effective mechanochemical (ball milling) process from elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, and S, without using either polluting chemicals or expensive vacuum facilities. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed CZTS formation. CZTS could be formed after planetary ball milling the starting mixture of Cu, Zn, Sn, and S for 20 h. The grain size of CZTS decreased with a further increase in ball milling time.

► Nano-crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 were obtained through self-sustaining reactions by using an environmental friendly and cost-effective mechanochemical (ball milling) process from elemental Cu, Zn, Sn, and S. ►The grain size of mixture powders decreased with increasing the ball milling time. Transmission electron microscopy images, diffraction pattern, and Raman spectra confirmed CZTS formation.