Solvothermal synthesis, nanocrystal print and photoelectrochemical properties of CuInS2 thin film

CuInS2 nanoflakes were synthesized successfully by a convenient solvothermal route in ethylene glycol under the open-air condition using copper chloride, indium chloride and thiourea as starting materials. The factors which might affect the purity of the product during the synthesis were discussed. It's found that the products were significantly affected by the reaction time, temperature and the diffusion of the reactors. CuInS2 nanoflakes ink was prepared and coated onto Mo substrate using blade technology, and after sintering, a dense and Compact CuInS2 film was produced. The morphological of the precursor films and CuInS2 films were done by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the photoelectrochernical properties and morphology of the CuInS2 thin film were characterized. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.