A method for making a chalcopyrite-type compound includes reacting a reaction mixture in a solvent under reflux condition to form the chalcopyrite-type compound. The reaction mixture includes at least one first compound and at least one second compound. The first compound contains M1 and A. The second compound contains M2 and A. M1 is selected from Cu, Au, Ag, Na, Li and K, M2 is selected from In, Ga, Al, Ti, Zn, Cd, Sn, Mg, and combinations thereof, and A is selected from S, Se, Te, and combinations thereof.