Synthesis of metastable wurtzite CuInS2 nanocrystals and films from aqueous solution

For the first time, metastable wurtzite CuInS2 nanocrystals and films were successfully synthesized from aqueous solution under atmospheric conditions. The CuInS2 nanocrystals were prepared by stirring and reflux of a metal salt and sodium sulfide in aqueous solution containing thioglycolic acid as a stabilizer. The good absorption in the visible light region may find interesting application in solar cells. The I–V curve indicated that the wurtzite CuInS2 NCs favored the generation of photoinduced carrier and electronic transmission. The proposed synthesis strategy may be used as a general process for the synthesis of hydrophilic chalcogenide semiconductor NCs and is scalable for commercial production with minimal environmental impact.