Multifunctionality of chemically synthesized quaternary copper nickel tin sulfide (Cu2NiSnS4) compound

Multifunctional and smart materials with versatility in applications have recently received more attention in various fields like solar cells, supercapacitors, batteries, photocatalysis, photodiodes, etc. Recently, copper-based quaternary chalcogenides have attracted more attention as multifunctional materials. Among the various chalcogenides, the Cu2NiSnS4 (CNTS) is found to be one of the recently growing chalcogenides due to its low cost, non-toxic, and highly abundant nature. The material's optoelectrical properties, different morphologies, versatility in phases, better electrochemical properties, etc. made it suitable for a variety of applications. This review summarized in-detail information on the CNTS synthesis methods and their different properties. The basic characterizations of CNTS were explored in detail. Also, the multifunctionality of the CNTS material for a variety of applications is briefly elaborated. So, it is mainly based on the versatility of a single material for environmental remediation. Finally, this review is focused on the benefits and scopes for future development in continuing the research among the various fields for energy conversion and storage devices. Multifunctional Cu2NiSnS4 material for various applications. [Display omitted] •Basic properties of Cu2NiSnS4 material are explored.•Various chemical techniques for synthesis of Cu2NiSnS4 material are reviewed.•Multifunctionality of Cu2NiSnS4 material for diverse applications.•Overview of Cu2NiSnS4 material for energy conversion and storage applications.