Nanoconfined Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Ultrafine Cu₂NiSnS₄ Nanotubes

Abstract

Ultrafine nanotubes of Cu2NiSnS4 having an average diameter of 4 nm were prepared by a convenient one‐step nanoconfined solvothermal approach. The confined reaction took place within the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). The structure, morphology, composition, optical absorption, and magnetic properties of the as‐prepared samples were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. A Rolling‐up mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of Cu2NiSnS4 nanotubes. Thin films prepared from the nanotubes showed a photoelectric response, thus indicating a potential application for photovoltaic devices.

A Comprehensive Review on the Recent Strategy of Cation Substitution in CZTS(Se) Thin Films to Achieve Highly Efficient Kesterite Solar Cells

“…Synthesis of Cu 2 NiSnS 4 was demonstrated through various routes such as spray sandwich method, [ 54 ] electrodeposition technique, [ 55,56 ] hot injection method, [ 57 ] and solvothermal method. [ 58,59 ] But there are very few reports which demonstrate its performance in thin‐film solar cells. Rondiya et al deposited a thin‐film photovoltaic device using CNTS as an absorber layer, exhibiting a relatively high open‐circuit voltage of 423.80 mV with a standard CZTS structure and reported an efficiency of 0.09%.…”

Optical and Dielectric Characterization of Nanoparticle-Based Cu2Ni1+xSn1–xS4 Nanosphere Synthesized by Facile Solvothermal Method

“…Shi et al have synthesized ultrafine CNTS nanotubes by the nanoconfined solvothermal technique, which took place within the pores of anodic aluminum oxide. The obtained nanotubes were later utilized to prepare thin films that showed excellent optoelectronic responses suitable for photovoltaic devices . Wang et al have synthesized flower-like CNTS nanoparticles by the solvothermal method and have shown a band gap in the range of 1.41 eV, indicating suitable applications in thin film solar cells .…”

“…The obtained nanotubes were later utilized to prepare thin films that showed excellent optoelectronic responses suitable for photovoltaic devices. 25 Wang et al have synthesized flower-like CNTS nanoparticles by the solvothermal method and have shown a band gap in the range of 1.41 eV, indicating suitable applications in thin film solar cells. 26 Isacfranklin et al have designed marigold flowerlike microstructured CNTS electrodes by using different concentrations of citric acid in a solvothermal method.…”

Effect of dip-coating cycle on some physical properties of Cu2NiSnS4 thin films for photovoltaic applications

“…These quaternaries can be used in various applications such as: photolysis, sensors, thermoelectricitys, batteries, spintronics and photovoltaics. Copper nickel tin sulfur Cu 2 NiSnS 4 (CNTS) is presently adaptable compound for photovoltaic solar cells, thanks to its high optical absorption coefficient α (superior to 10 4 cm -1 ), band gap range of 1.2-1.7 eV and p-type semiconductor material [15][16][17]. In addition CNTS does not contain scarce and cost chemical elements like indium (In) and gallium (Ga), the elements constituent of CNTS are economical and abundant in earth-crust.…”