Nanoconfined Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Ultrafine Cu2NiSnS4 Nanotubes

Ultrafine nanotubes of Cu2NiSnS4 having an average diameter of 4 nm were prepared by a convenient one-step nanoconfined solvothermal approach. The confined reaction took place within the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). The structure, morphology, composition, optical absorption, and magnetic properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. A Rolling-up mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of Cu2NiSnS4 nanotubes. Thin films prepared from the nanotubes showed a photoelectric response, thus indicating a potential application for photovoltaic devices.