A new family of wurtzite-phase Cu2ZnAS4−x and CuZn2AS4 (A = Al, Ga, In) nanocrystals for solar energy conversion applications.

A new family of quaternary semiconductors Cu₂ZnAS_4−x and CuZn₂AS₄ (A = Al, Ga, In) has been synthesized in the form of wurtzite phase nanocrystals for the first time. The nanocrystals can be converted to the stannite phase via thermal annealing under a N₂ atmosphere. A direct band gap in the visible wavelength region combined with a high absorption cross-section makes these materials promising for solar energy conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]