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

Abstract

Oleyalmine capped Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) nanoparticles were synthesized by the colloidal method at 240 °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 °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.