Ionothermal/hydrothermal synthesis of the ternary metal chalcogenide ZnIn2S4

The ternary metal chalcogenide ZnIn2S4 was synthesized through the ionothermal/hydrothermal method using the ionic liquid [Bmim][BF4]]. The crystal structure and surface chemical state of the product were confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A small amount of water was essential for the obtaining of yellow ZnIn2S4 product. ZnIn2S4 with a hexagonal phase was obtained in a wide range of [Bmim][BF4]:water ratios of 9.3 ml:(0.1-5 ml). The size and morphology of the synthesized samples were strongly affected by the aid of [Bmim][BF4], the amount of water, the zinc source, reaction temperature, and reaction time. The ZnIn2S4 showed different visible light absorption ranges when the water content of the reaction mixture was varied. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.