A low-cost, ligand exchange-free strategy to synthesize large-grained Cu2ZnSnS4 thin-films without a fine-grain underlayer from nanocrystals

Cu₂ZnSnS₄ nanocrystals without long hydrocarbon chain organic ligands are synthesized directly in a formamide solvent system. Annealing compacted nanocrystal films forms large-grained Cu₂ZnSnS₄ thin-films without an unwanted fine-grain underlayer.