Cu2SnSe3 and alloyed (ZnSe)x(Cu2SnSe3)1−x nanocrystals with a metastable zincblende and wurtzite structure

Cu 2 SnSe 3 nanocrystals with a metastable zincblende and wurtzite structure have been successfully synthesized. The crystal structures were confirmed by means of X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction . The lattice mismatch between Cu 2 SnSe 3 and ZnSe is only 0.26%, thus homogeneously alloyed (ZnSe) x (Cu 2 SnSe 3 ) 1− x nanocrystals could be synthesized. The band gaps of nanocrystals can be tuned in a wide range of 2.75 to 0.92   eV; however the bowing parameter as high as 19.1   eV for alloyed (ZnSe) x (Cu 2 SnSe 3 ) 1− x nanocrystals was observed. These low cost and dispersible alloyed (ZnSe) x (Cu 2 SnSe 3 ) 1− x nanocrystals with a targeted band gap have a high potential in thin film solar cells.