title: Photoactive nanocrystals by low-temperature welding of copper sulfide nanoparticles and indium sulfide nanosheets.
abstract: We successfully utilize the concept of coalescence and room-temperature sintering to prepare morphologically different nanoparticles. n-Type chalcogenide (CuIn5 S8 ) nanocrystals are synthesized at room temperature by simple mixing of oppositely charged precursor nanoparticles. The coalescence of polycation-coated CuS nanoparticles and negatively charged In2 S3 nanoplates is driven by close contact of the particles due to electrostatic interactions. Analysis by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, and Raman spectroscopy confirms the formation of single-phase CuIn5 S8 without traceable secondary phase. In a photovoltaic device, the use of the coalesced particles yields a power conversion efficiency of 1.8%.
authors.affiliation: Energy Research Institute@NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Research Techno Plaza, 637553 Singapore (Singapore); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 639798 Singapore (Singapore).
authors.forename: Hui Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Jia Yi
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Sudip K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Batabyal
authors.forename: Shlomo
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Magdassi
authors.forename: Subodh G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Mhaisalkar
authors.forename: Lydia H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D007204:Indium / Q000737:chemistry*; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D013440:Sulfides; D007204:Indium; D003300:Copper
keywords: chalcogens; coalescence; copper; solar cells; welding