Facile synthesis of Cu < inf > 2 < /inf > CoSnS < inf > 4 < /inf > nanoparticles exhibiting red-edge-effect: Application in hybrid photonic devices

Abstract

Cu2CoSnS4 (CCTS) quaternary semiconducting nanoparticles with size distribution from 20 nm to 60 nm were synthesized by one-pot low temperature time and surfactant dependent hydrothermal route. Nanoparticles were characterized structurally and optically. Excitation dependent fluorescence exhibited a dynamic stoke shift referring to the Red-Edge-Effect with peak shifting by a greater magnitude ( > 100 nm) towards red side, in all the samples. Hybrid devices, fabricated from CCTS nanoparticle inorganic counterparts benefitting from the conjugation of organic P 3HT polymer matrix, were demonstrated for photodetection under infra-red and A.M 1.5 solar light illuminations. Faster rise and decay constants of 37 ms and 166 ms, with one order photocurrent amplification from 1.6 × 10-6 A in the dark to 6.55 × 10-5 A, upon the 18.50 mW cm-2 IR lamp illumination, make CCTS a potential candidate for photodetector and photovoltaic applications. © 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.