Synthesis and characterization of CuInS2 nanoflowers

Uniform crystalline CuInS₂ nanoflowers with an average size of 25 nm were synthesized by a hot-injection strategy using CuAc, In(Ac)₃ and sulfur powder as precursors and oleylamine as both the solvent and ligand. Various methods including X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and absorption spectroscopy were used to characterize CuInS₂ nanoflowers. Control experiments indicated that CuInS₂ nanoflowers were formed through 3D attachment of forming primary nanodots. The obtained CuInS₂ nanoflowers are promising for low-cost, high efficiency solar cells due to several advantages such as the simplicity of synthesis, size and morphology uniformity, stability of dispersion and large surface area for charge separation.