Raman and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Study of Aqueous Thiol-Capped Ag-Zn-Sn-S Nanocrystals

The synthesis of (Cu,Ag)-Zn-Sn-S (CAZTS) and Ag-Zn-Sn-S (AZTS) nanocrystals (NCs) by means “green” chemistry in aqueous solution their detailed characterization Raman spectroscopy several complementary techniques are reported. Through a systematic variation the nominal composition quantification constituent elements CAZTS AZTS NCs X-ray photoemission (XPS), we identified vibrational IR fingerprints both main phase secondary phases Ag-Zn-S Ag-Sn-S compounds. formation Ag-S cannot be avoided entirely for this type synthesis. phase, having its bandgap near infrared range, is reason non-monotonous dependence absorption edge on Ag content, with trend to redshift even below bandgaps bulk CZTS. work function, electron affinity, ionization potential derived using photoelectron measurements.