Synthesis and Characterization of Ternary CuInS2 Nanorods via a Hydrothermal Route

Well-defined ternary CuInS2 nanorods 20–25 nm in diameter and 400–450 nm in length were synthesized by the reaction of CuCl2, In, CS2, and NaOH at temperature as low as 180°C for 15 h when water was used as the solvent. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy techniques. Experimental results indicate that reaction temperature is an important factor in this approach and liquid indium plays an important role in the formation of CuInS2 nanorods. Finally, a solution–liquid–solid mechanism was proposed for the nanorod growth.