Nanoparticles of ternary semiconductors in colloids - Low-temperature formation and quantum size effects

Aqueous and non-aqueous colloids of a series of ternary semiconductor compounds: CuInS2, CuInSe2, CuGaS2, CuFeS2, AgInS2 were prepared. The disperse phase was identified by X-ray diffraction analysis of solid precipitates. Optical properties of colloids and polymer films with ultrasmall particles fabricated from the colloids were studied. Features of the absorption in UV, visible and near IR region are interpreted as the quantum-size effects and the result of partial oxidation of copper compounds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.