The synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Cu- and Ag-based multinary sulfide semiconductors

The novel polygonal flake like Ag{sub 8}SnS{sub 6} crystal, Cu{sub 2}FeSnS{sub 4} flaky, and well-dispersed Cu{sub 2}CoSnS{sub 4} nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a convenient hydrothermal reaction route at relatively low temperature, which was avoiding the use of high temperature treatments or toxic organic solvents. The products were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectronic spectra (XPS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). It was found that the reaction temperature played a key role for the formation of the target products.