This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of single phase CuInS2 nanoparticles with a copper complex as precursor via microwave technique. The effect of sulfur sources on product size and morphology was investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Thin films CuInS2 were prepared by doctor’s blade method and then studied via I-V characterization