Quaternary Cu2CdSnS4 nanoparticles synthesized by a simple solvothermal method

Quaternary Cu2CdSnS4 nanoparticles, which are useful for the photovoltaic applications, were successfully synthesized by using a simple solvothermal route. Slightly polydispersed nanoparticles were obtained at temperature of 180 °C, analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The cernyite structured Cu2CdSnS4 nanoparticles were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology and the stoichiometric ratio of the nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The chemical states of the elements in the nanoparticles were analyzed by high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The band gap of the as-synthesized Cu2CdSnS4 nanoparticles was determined by UV–Vis absorption spectra measurement.