Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) particles were successfully synthesized by microwave assisted solvothermal method. The structure, shape, composition, and optical properties of these particles were investigated with X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. The results show that the as-prepared particles had single phase, stoichiometric composition, and a ball cactus-like shape with a diameter about 250 nm, when reaction time is 10 min. The formation mechanism of the CZTS particles was investigated by evaluation of samples prepared with different reaction time. According to the proposed growth mechanism of CZTS particles, the copper sulfide nuclei firstly forms, and serves as the starting point for the nucleation and growth of CZTS. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.