Rapid preparation of CuInS2 microparticles via a solution-chemical synthesis route and its characterization

CuInS2 microparticles were synthesized successfully by a facile solution-chemical method in a mixed solvent of triethylenetetramine-ethylene glycol (1:1, v/v) under the open-air condition using copper chloride, indium chloride and sulfur as starting materials. The factors including the temperature and reaction time which might affect the purity of the product during the synthesis were discussed. Phase constituents, morphology, structure and optical properties of the as-prepared CuInS2 powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry. It's found that the products were significantly affected by the temperature and reaction time. A possible formation mechanism was put forward and briefly discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.