Rapid synthesis of flower-like Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres with nanoplates using a biomolecule-assisted method

•Flower-like Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres were synthesized by a biomolecule-assisted method.•The as-prepared Cu2CoSnS4 nanocrystals were investigated by XRD, XPS, FESEM and TEM.•The optical properties were investigated by Raman spectrum.

Flower-like Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres were rapidly fabricated by a solvothermal methods at 200 °C for 12 h where l-cysteine served as both the sulfur source and directing molecule in the formation of Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres. The phase composition, shape and microstructure of the Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The results showed that the phase of as-obtained Cu2CoSnS4 microspheres was stannite and the microspheres were consistent of numerous intercrossed ultrathin nanoplates. Raman spectrum showed that the strong peak located at 321 cm−1.