Synthesis and characterization of ternary CuInS₂ nanorods via a hydrothermal route

Well-defined ternary CuInS₂ nanorods 20-25 nm in diameter and 400-450 nm in length were synthesized by the reaction of CuCl₂, In, CS₂, and NaOH at temperature as low as 180°C for 15h when water was used as the solvent. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy techniques. Experimental results indicate that reaction temperature is an important factor in this approach and liquid indium plays an important role in the formation of CuInS₂ nanorods. Finally, a solution-liquid-solid mechanism was proposed for the nanorodgrowth.