Title: Hierarchical Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanostructures synthesised by a simple solvothermal reaction

Authors: S.H. Park; T.H. Kwon; K. Kim; A. Annamalai; M.-J. Lee

Addresses: Department of Advanced Technology Fusion, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea ' Department of Advanced Technology Fusion, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea ' Department of Advanced Technology Fusion, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea ' Department of Advanced Technology Fusion, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea ' Department of Advanced Technology Fusion, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-ku, Seoul 143-701, Korea

Abstract: Hierarchical Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanostructures with various morphologies and sizes have been synthesised successfully using a simple solvothermal reaction. For the control of the size and morphology of Cu₂ZnSnS₄, polyvinylpyrrolidone was used as a structure-directing ligand. By changing the molecular weights and concentrations of the polyvinylpyrrolidone ligands, we prepared unique Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanostructures ranging from discrete nanoparticle aggregates to nanoflower-like particles. Owing to the unique control of the nanostructures and their ecofriendly nature, the nanoflower-like Cu₂ZnSnS₄ materials are promising as excellent absorber materials for low-cost solar cells.

Keywords: C2ZnSnS4 nanostructures; nanoparticles; nanoflower like particles; nanoaggregates; solvothermal reaction; hierarchical nanostructures; polyvinylpyrrolidone; nanotechnology; absorber materials; solar cells; ecofriendly materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2013.054209

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2013 Vol.10 No.8/9, pp.671 - 680

Published online: 01 Aug 2013 *

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