Synthesis and Morphological Evolution of CuGaS2 Nanostructures via a Polyol Method

Using ethylene glycol as solvent and reductant, CuCl2·2H2O, (NH2)2CS and self-prepared GaCl3 as the starting materials, CuGaS2 nanostrucutures were synthesized on a large scale at 220 ℃. Powder X-ray diffraction,transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the products. It demonstrated the evolution of the CuGaS2 particles from spherical assemblies to flowerlike morphology, over time,at 220 ℃. Simultaneously, we elucidated the specific roles of reaction temperature, reaction time and solvent in the formation of the final CuGaS2 nanostructures. A possible formation mechanism of CuGaS2 nanostrucutures was also discussed. The room temperature photoluminescence spectrum showed blue-shift and an increase of intensity, with a decrease in the sizes of CuGaS2 particles.