Synthesis of wurtzite CuInS2nanowires by Ag2S-catalyzed growth

Abstract

We have demonstrated that wurtzite CuInS₂ nanowires could be synthesized in solution via Ag₂S-catalyzed growth. It is confirmed that Ag₂S nanocrystals are formed firstly and act as catalysts for the growth of the CuInS₂ nanowires by monitoring the structures and morphologies of the Ag₂S nanocrystals and CuInS₂ nanowires during the growth. It is believed that the high mobility of Ag⁺ promotes the generation of Ag⁺ vacancies in Ag₂S, facilitating the diffusion of Cu and In species from solution into Ag₂S to reach supersaturated states. The primary investigation of the optoelectronic property indicates that as-synthesized wurtzite CuInS₂ nanowires have enhanced photoresponsivity. Furthermore, this facile method could open a new way to synthesize other various nano-structured ternary and quaternary semiconductors, such as CuIn_xGa_1−xSe₂, for applications in solar cells and other fields.