Synthesis of oleylamine-capped Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 nanoparticles using 1-dodecanethiol as sulfur source

Oleyalmine capped Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)(4) (CZTSSe) nanoparticles were synthesized by the colloidal method at 240 degrees C. 1-dodecanethiol (1-DDT), which releases sulfur atoms at high refluxing temperatures, is used as a sulfur source. It was observed that at high temperatures (over 150 degrees C) 1-DDT decomposes and releases sulfur atoms that combine with selenide ions. The resultant CZTSSe powder was homogenously dispersed in chloroform. Formation of the kesterite structure was identified through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis which could be tuned to stannite on the basis of the ratio of S/Se. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) analysis clearly shows the presence of oleylamine on the surface of the nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analyses indicate the formation of 10-20 nm nearly spherical particles with agglomeration. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) analysis further confirms the presence of sulfur in addition to Cu, Zn, Sn, and Se. (C) 2015 The Japan Society of Applied Physics