Low-cost fabrication of ternary CuInSe2 nanocrystals by colloidal route using a novel combination of volatile and non-volatile capping agents

Wet-route synthesis of CuInSe2 (CISe) nanocrystals has been envisaged with the utilization of the unique combination of coordinating ligand and non coordinating solvent. Our work demonstrates the formation of a single-phase, nearly stoichiometric and monodispersive, stable and well-passivated colloidal ternary CISe nanocrystals (band gap (E-g)similar to 1.16 eV) using a novel combination of ligands; viz, volatile arylamine aniline and non-volatile solvent 1-octadecene. The synthesis and growth conditions have been manoeuvred using the colligative properties of the mixture and thus higher growth temperature (similar to 250 degrees C) could be attained that promoted larger grain growth. The beneficial influence of the capping agents (aniline and 1-octadecene) on the properties of chalcopyrite nanocrystals has enabled us to pictorally model the structural, morphological and optoelectronic aspects of CISe nanoparticles. (C) 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.