Solution-based synthesis of wurtzite Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoleaves introduced by α-Cu₂S nanocrystals as a catalyst

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ is a promising solar absorbing material in solar cells due to its high absorption coefficient and abundance on earth. We have demonstrated that wurtzite Cu₂ZnSnS₄nanoleaves could be synthesized through a facile solution-based method. Detailed investigation of the growth process indicates that α-Cu₂S nanocrystals are first formed and then serve as a catalyst to introduce the Cu, Zn, and Sn species into the nanoleaf growth for fast ionic conduction. The structure of the as-synthesized nanoleaves is characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, fast Fourier transform, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping. Photoresponses of Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoleaves are evaluated by I–V curves of a Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoleaf film. It is believed that the enhancement of the photoresponse current of the Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoleaf film can be attributed to fast carrier transport due to the single crystalline nature and enhanced light absorption resulting from larger absorption areas of the Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanoleaves.

http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/NR/C3NR02469E#!divAbstract