A review on ternary CuFeS2 compound: Fabrication strategies and applications

This review gives an overview on CuFeS2 (CFS) compound. These materials belong to transition metal chalcogenides (TMC), which can be obtained in different forms like single crystals, thin films, nanoparticles and Quantum dots (QDs). Starting from growth of CFS crystals by different methods like Bridgman, vapour transport techniques, solid-state reaction, etc., are discussed with their characteristic properties. Justification of increased potential of CFS by doing doping is also revealed in this article. The CFS thinfilms depositions reported in literature by different techniques are discussed. The use of the thin films for fabrication of solar cell as an alternate source of energy is also discussed. The CFS nanoparticles and nanocrystals showed significantly enhanced and modified intrinsic properties with different synthesis methods/conditions are included in this review. The key reports, fabrication strategies, and applications of CFS quantum dots as emerging materials are explained. The main advantages and limitation of CFS as single crystal, thin-films, nanoparticles, and quantum dots are also covered. The CFS materials in above varied forms have enough potential to be used in photovoltaic, photocatalysis, biomedicines, biosensors, and power storage applications.