Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) and Cu2FeSnS4 (CFTS) nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition of metal precursors. Dispersion of the precursors in the solvent prior to reaction significantly lowered the temperature and time required for the reaction. Extensive characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles was done. Materials characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles such as elemental composition, band gap and morphology were found to be similar to the nanoparticles prepared by conventional synthesis techniques. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.