Study of the mechanochemical process to crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 powder

Abstract

Kesterite-type Cu2ZnSnS4 was synthesized from the corresponding binary sulfides by a mechanochemical route in a planetary ball mill. The reaction progress during this milling step was followed within a time range of 10–180min by powder X-ray diffraction. In addition, the crystallization of the milled material was studied in situ by high-temperature X-ray diffraction methods in the temperature range of 300–500°C. Significant disorder (cation distribution) was observed at 500°C, strongly decreasing during cooling down to ambient temperature with a rate of 60K/h.