Preparation of nanocrystalline CuAlFeS2-mixed chalcopyrite by high-energy ball milling

Nanocrystalline CuAlFeS2-mixed chalcopyrite has been mechanosynthesized at room temperature for the first time by ball milling the stoichiometric mixture of elemental powders of Cu, Al, Fe and S under argon atmosphere. It has been noticed that at early stage of milling, a nanocrystalline CuS has been formed. Nanocrystalline CuAlFeS2 phase has been formed after 45 min of milling of nanocrystalline mixture of CuS, Al and Fe. However, longer duration of milling results in agglomeration of nano-particles due to annealing effect of produced heat during milling.