A general strategy for synthesis of quaternary semiconductor Cu2MSnS4 (M = Co2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Mn2+) nanocrystals

Quaternary semiconductor Cu2MSnS4 (M = Co2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, Mn2+) nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized via a simple and mild solvothermal method. Cu2FeSnS4 and Cu2CoSnS4 show a spherical shape; Cu2NiSnS4 and Cu2MnSnS4 possess a nail-like structure and a rod-like structure. The four types of nanocrystals exhibit significantly different magnetic properties. Cu2FeSnS4 and Cu2CoSnS4 nanoparticles show ferromagnetic behavior; Cu2MnSnS4 and Cu2NiSnS4 nanorods exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at low temperature. The band gaps of Cu2MSnS4 (M = Co, Fe, Ni, Mn) nanocrystals are in the range of 1.2-1.5 eV, indicating a high potential application in low-cost thin film solar cells.