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Single precursor synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals using aerosol spray pyrolysis

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Abstract

We have investigated the feasibility of aerosol spray pyrolysis for the synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals, which are promising candidates for the development of low-cost, printable photovoltaic devices. A solution of copper diethyldithiocarbamate in toluene is aerosolized and aerodynamically dragged through a tube furnace, where the droplets are dried and nanocrystals are formed. Particles smaller than 20 nm are produced. The particles are preferentially formed as digenite (Cu1.8S), although we show that with low furnace temperature it is possible to produce chalcocite (Cu2S) nanocrystals.

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Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant 1125660 (BRIGE Award).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA

    Patrick Davis & Lorenzo Mangolini

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  1. Patrick Davis
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  2. Lorenzo Mangolini
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Correspondence to Lorenzo Mangolini.

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Davis, P., Mangolini, L. Single precursor synthesis of copper sulfide nanocrystals using aerosol spray pyrolysis. MRS Communications 3, 57–60 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1557/mrc.2013.10

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