Liao, H.-C.H.-C.LiaoJao, M.-H.M.-H.JaoShyue, J.-J.J.-J.ShyueYANG-FANG CHENWEI-FANG SU2018-09-102018-09-102013http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-84876149013&partnerID=MN8TOARShttp://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/377320The present research demonstrates a facile one-pot heating process without injection to synthesize an important light harvesting quaternary nanocrystal: wurtzite copper-zinc-tin sulfide (w-CZTS). High quality w-CZTS nanocrystals can be easily obtained by mixing all the precursors and simply heating to the reaction temperature. The nano-crystal formation mechanism is thoroughly investigated and resolved by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). It starts with the nucleation of plasmonic djurleite Cu1.94S, subsequent growth of CZTS-Cu1.94S heterostructures and inter-diffusion of cations and then finally leads to single phase and single crystal w-CZTS nanocrystals. The mechanism of nanocrystal formation can be applied universally regardless of the type of zinc and tin precursor for high quality w-CZTS nanocrystals. The in-depth interpretations of the reaction mechanism of this process significantly advance the current knowledge of multi-component nanocrystal formation. The developed method is scalable for high throughput and low cost w-CZTS suspensions which await practical photovoltaic applications. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.[SDGs]SDG7Formation mechanism; Light-harvesting; Nanocrystal formation; Photovoltaic applications; Reaction mechanism; Reaction temperature; Transmission electron microscopy (TEM); X-ray diffraction spectroscopy; Electron energy loss spectroscopy; Plasmons; Tin; Transmission electron microscopy; X ray diffraction; Zinc sulfide; Nanocrystalsjournal article10.1039/c2ta00151a2-s2.0-84876149013WOS:000314631700029