Tetrahedral CuZnInSe3 nanocrystals: One-pot synthesis, properties, and solar cell application

Abstract Quaternary CuZnInSe3 (CZISe) nanocrystals (NCs) have been synthesized using a facile one-pot approach, which are suitable for large scale device applications. This synthesis was assisted with oleylaminde (OLA) as ligand for stabilization and shape control as well as dodecanethiol (DDT) for balancing the reactivity of metal precursors. The CZISe NCs crystallize in the zinc blende structure with unique tetrahedral shape that can potentially enhance interaction and facilitate charge transfer between NCs. The NCs show strong electronic absorption in the UV and visible regions and significant absorption in the near-infrared (NIR). A direct bandgap around 1.30 eV, inferred from the UV–Vis spectrum, suggests that the NCs can be an excellent absorber for thin film solar cells. Prototype solar cells fabricated from these CZISe NC films show a power conversion efficiency of 0.77% under standard AM1.5 illumination. This study demonstrates a new, simple and ecofriendly method to synthesize CZISe NCs with tetrahedral shape potentially useful for solar cell applications.