Colloidal synthesis of Cu₂SnSe₃ nanocrystals with structure induced shape evolution

Cu₂SnSe₃ (CTSe) has attracted a great deal of interest in a large range of technoligical applications due to its unique optical and electrical properties. The synthesis of CTSe in nanocrystal form is particularly interesting with a range of different crystal structures attainable. We review recent progress in the colloidal synthesis of CTSe nanocrystals and detail the variations in reaction chemistry that allow the crystal phase, composition and morphology to be tuned. The evolution of the synthetic protocols to allow more complex dimensional control allows formation of linear (nanorods) and branched heterostructures (tetrapods) as a function of polytypism. The advances in colloidal synthesis of CTSe nanocrystals has opened an avenue for development of cost-effective and high performance devices.