The effect of sulfate-based precursors on the formation of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles through temperature tuned solvothermal technique

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics 2023-06, Vol.34 (16), p.1270, Article 1270
• Main Authors: John, Bincy, Mathew, Anju, Steny, K. S., Shaji, Arunima, Silvena, G. Genifer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Crystal structure; Crystallites; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Materials Science; Morphology; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Optical and Electronic Materials; Precursors; Raman spectroscopy; Spectrum analysis
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-023-10694-2

Highly featured Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 nanoparticles with a tetragonal crystal structure were produced via a solvothermal process using a less toxic solvent. The reaction was carried out from 200 to 230 °C in steps of 10 °C and the use of sulfate-based copper and zinc precursors resulted in the effective preparation of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 nanoparticles. The periodicity of crystal structure examined by XRD study indicated that the samples contain (112), (200), (220), and (312) planes of Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 nanoparticles and the product was confirmed with Raman spectroscopy. The mean crystallite sizes of the samples were 8.84 nm, 7.75 nm, 6.21 nm, and 3.86 nm, which demonstrated that crystallite size reduced as the temperature raised. The morphological and compositional investigation by FESEM images and EDX analysis depicted the sphere-like morphology and sulfur-rich properties. The UV–Vis-NIR diffuse reflectance displayed absorption in the entire 350–800 nm wavelength range, and the optical direct band gaps were 1.42 eV, 1.54 eV, 1.61 eV, and 1.76 eV. The PL emission spectrum intensity decreased as the temperature increased, indicating less recombination. The Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) estimated the total resistance values, which decreased with an increase in reaction temperature. These results indicate that Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) nanomaterials can be used as an efficient Photovoltaic material.