Synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanoparticles by Solvothermal Route.

CZTS nanoparticles of size ~20 nm have been synthesized by solvothermal method. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the growth of single phase CZTS nanoparticles with kesterite structure and lattice parameter obtained as a = b = 0.54 nm and c = 1.08 nm. The Raman peak observed at 338 cm-1 also confirms the formation of pure CZTS phase. High resolution transition electron microscopy image confirms the good crystallinity of the CZTS nanoparticles with the growth along (112) plane. Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirms the stoichiometry of the CZTS nanoparticles. The CZTS nanoparticles exhibits a strong optical absorption in the visible region with direct band gap ~1.5 eV, which is optimum for photovoltaic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]