Mild solution-based method for synthesizing wurtzite CuInS2 nanoplates at low temperature

Abstract Wurtzite copper indium disulfide (CuInS 2 ) nanoplates were synthesized via a low-cost, facile solution-based method. The reaction was carried out at 140 °C for an hour under nitrogen atmosphere by using the solvent of monoethanolamine (MEA). The experimental results revealed that the products had good crystallinity, monomorphology and stoichiometric composition. The solvent material, reaction time and temperature played important roles in the formation of the wurtzite CuInS 2 nanoplates. The possible growth mechanism was also proposed and discussed. And the wide stoichiometry of the wurtzite-CuInS 2 implies that this work may offer a new strategic approach for the synthesis of I–III–VI 2 ternary semiconductor nanocrystals as new solar energy materials.