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.

Uniform Cu₂MnSnS₄ nanosheets with an average size of 50 nm are synthesized through a mild solvothermal solution approach. The as-prepared Cu₂MnSnS₄ nanosheets have the wurtzite structure and are oriented parallel to the (002) crystal plane. The structure, morphology, composition, and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared samples are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The formation mechanism of the Cu₂MnSnS₄ nanosheets is also discussed. A thin film prepared from the Cu₂MnSnS₄ nanosheets displays a clear photoelectric response, suggesting its potential application as a low-cost solar absorber material. The Cu₂MnSnS₄ nanosheets are also found to show weak ferromagnetic behavior below 5 K.

GeSe single-crystalline microtubes with a rectangular cross section have been fabricated through a facile solution approach. The as-prepared GeSe microtubes have diameters in the range of 1–2 μm and wall thicknesses of approximately 100–200 nm. Crystal growth along the [010] direction is preferable for the GeSe microtubes. The formation of GeSe microtubes is proposed to originate from an etching effect of the solvent oleylamine. A clear photoresponsive behavior has been found for the as-synthesized GeSe microtubes. The products were characterized by using powder XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry.

Quaternary semiconductor Cu₂CoSnS₄ single-crystalline nanowires arrays have been prepared through a solvothermal synthetic route by using anodic aluminum oxide as a hard template. The as-prepared Cu₂CoSnS₄ nanowires are uniform with a [112] growth direction. An optimal solvent of diethylenetriamine is critical for the formation of single-crystalline Cu₂CoSnS₄ nanowires. The structure, morphology, composition, and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared Cu₂CoSnS₄ nanowires were characterized by using X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. A thin film prepared from Cu₂CoSnS₄ single-crystalline nanowires displayed a clear photoelectric response, which suggested its potential application in photovoltaic devices.