Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles synthesized via reaction media with glycine

Abstract Single-phase kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles, with spherical-like shape and average sizes of 3 nm, were synthesized by a novel aqueous route in which glycine molecules had two crucial roles. The first one was to promote the gradual release of Cu+ and Zn2+ ions from their respective complexes. The other role is to act as a capping agent to control the growth of the nanoparticles and aggregation. The reaction and growth mechanisms were discussed in relation to the reactants' nature, studies of the crystalline structure and morphology of the CZTS nanoparticles. Inks were prepared with the precipitated nanoparticles to fabricate films on fused-silica substrates by the combining the doctor Blade technique and axial compression. Analysis of CZTS film, annealed at the temperature of 500 °C in Ar-atmosphere, proved micron-sized particles’ formation with improved crystallinity. Optical studies revealed that both nanoparticles and films exhibit broad absorption edges extending to the near-infrared. The bandgap energy values of the developed materials are in the range of 1.41–1.45 eV.