Kinetics of Solid-State Synthesis of Quaternary Cu₂FeSnS₄ (Stannite) Nanocrystals for Solar Energy Applications

In this study we demonstrate the use of elemental precursors (Cu, Fe, Sn, S) to obtain stannite forms by a solid-state one-pot mechanochemical synthesis. In the processing route, we report the kinetics of the synthesis. For the characterization of the unique nanostructures, X-ray diffraction, specific surface area measurements and SQUID magnetometry methods were applied. CFTS polymorphs with the tetragonal body-centered structure with the average crystallite size 18-19 nm were obtained. The weak ferromagnetic properties of the quaternary nanocrystals after maximum milling time were also documented.