The influence of solvent on CuInS/sub 2/ semiconductor nanocrystals synthesis and growth under solvothermal conditions

Ternary chalcogenide semiconductor type CuInS/sub 2/ nanocrystals were prepared by solvothermal procedures, using CuCl, In and S as precursors in distilled water and ethylenediamine as solvents. The precipitates were characterized by XRD and TEM. Although CuInS/sub 2/ chalcopyrite phase has been obtained in both the solvents, as it is demonstrated by the XRD spectra, the TEM images reveal great differences in the morphology of the nanocrystals. In water nanoparticles of 5-20 nm, mean diameter is obtained, instead of 10-100 nm wide, and 1-2 micron long nanorods and nanofibers resulted in ethylenediamine. A possible mechanism of asymmetrical growth is discussed.