The phase transformation of CuInS2 from chalcopyrite to wurtzite

In the present work, CuInS2 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by water-bath method with deionized water as solvent and thioglycolic acid as complexing agent at 80°C. The phase transition of CuInS2 from chalcopyrite to wurtzite was realized by adjusting the pH value of reaction solution. The emergence of Cu2S in the condition of higher pH value of reaction solution led to the formation of wurtzite CuInS2. This facile method that controls the phase structure by adjusting the solution pH value could open a new way to synthesize other I-III-VI2 ternary semiconductor compounds.