The Cu₂ZnSnS₄(CZTS) powders are successfully synthesized by using ZnS and Cu₂SnS₃as raw materials directly without any intermediate phase at 450 °C for 3 h in Ar atmosphere. The crystalline structure, morphology and optical properties of the CZTS powders are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer, respectively. The results show that the band gap of the obtained CZTS is 1.53 eV. The CZTS film is fabricated by spin coating a mixture of CZTS powders and novolac resin with a weight percentage of 30%. The photoelectrical properties of such CZTS films are measured, and the results show an incident light density of 100 mW·cm^-2with the bias voltage of 0.40 V, and the photocurrent density can approach 9.80×10^-5A·cm²within 50 s, giving an on/off switching ratio of 1.64.