A new colloidal precursor cooperative conversion route to nanocrystalline quaternary copper sulfide

A novel milk-like Cu–thiourea colloid has been synthesized. Nanocrystalline quaternary copper sulfide Cu2FeSnS4 was obtained through the Cu–thiourea colloidal precursor cooperative conversion route at low temperature. The samples were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The reaction details and features were described and discussed.