Synthesis and Optical Properties of In2S3-Hosted Colloidal Zn-Cu-In-S Nanoplatelets

High-efficiency photoluminescence quaternary hexagon Zn-Cu-In-S (ZCIS) nanoplatelets (NPIs) have been synthesized by a two-step cation exchange method, which starts with the In2S3 NPIs followed by the addition of Cu and Zn. It is the first time that In2S3 NPIs are used as templates to synthesize ZCIS NPIs. In this paper, the reaction temperature of In2S3 is essential for the formation of NPIs. The photoluminescence wavelength of NPIs can be tuned by adjusting the temperature of Cu addition. To enhance the stability of the resulting NPIs and to improve their optical properties, we introduced Zn2+ and obtained ZCIS NPIs by cation exchange on the surface. It is worth noting that the obtained ZCIS NPIs show a shorter fluorescence lifetime than other ternary copper sulfide-based NPIs. This work provides a new way to synthesize high-efficiency, nontoxic, and no byproduct ZCIS NPIs.

Automated summary

High-efficiency photoluminescence quaternary hexagon Zn-Cu-In-S (ZCIS) nanoplatelets (NPIs) were successfully synthesized via a two-step cation exchange method, with In2S3 NPIs serving as templates. The reaction temperature of In2S3 and the temperature of Cu addition were found to be crucial for tuning the properties of NPIs. Introducing Zn2+ enhanced the stability and optical properties of the resulting NPIs, demonstrating a new approach to synthesize high-efficiency and nontoxic ZCIS NPIs with no byproducts.