Synthesis of wurtzite CuInS2 nanowires by Ag2S-atalyzed growth

We have demonstrated that wurtzite CuInS2 nanowires could be synthesized in solution via Ag2S-catalyzed growth. It is confirmed that Ag2S nanocrystals are formed firstly and act as catalysts for the growth of the CuInS2 nanowires by monitoring the structures and morphologies of the Ag2S nanocrystals and CuInS2 nanowires during the growth. It is believed that the high mobility of Ag+ promotes the generation of Ag+ vacancies in Ag2S, facilitating the diffusion of Cu and In species from solution into (AgS)-S-2 to reach supersaturated states. The primary investigation of the optoelectronic property indicates that as-ynthesized wurtzite CuInS2 nanowires have enhanced photoresponsivity. Furthermore, this facile method could open a new way to synthesize other various nano-structured ternary and quaternary semiconductors, such as CuInxGa(1-x)Se(2), for applications in solar cells and other fields.