Unveiling the Influence of Annealing Temperature on Properties of CZTSSe Nanocrystals

Abstract The burgeoning interest in kesterite materials stems from their promising applications in both charge‐selective materials and photocathodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Kesterites, a complex class of semiconductors, typically contain copper, zinc, tin, and either sulfur or selenium atoms. Despite their prevalent use as photocathodes, a comprehensive understanding of their optoelectronic properties remains elusive. This study delves into the synthesis and characterization of Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Selenium (CZTSSe) nanopowders, aiming to elucidate the impact of annealing temperature on their properties. Solution‐based synthesis utilizing copper chloride, zinc acetate, tin(II) chloride, and thiourea/selenium precursors yielded CZTSSe nanopowders. Annealing in distilled water at varying temperatures (100 to 350 °C) offers a platform to explore the resulting effects on elemental and phase compositions, morphology, and optical behavior. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Copper Zinc Tin Selenium (CZTSe) nanopowders and their suitability for photoelectrochemical water splitting, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable energy technologies. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of CZTSSe nanopowders and their suitability for photoelectrochemical water splitting, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable energy technologies.