Molecular precursor-mediated facile synthesis of photo-responsive stibnite Sb2S3 nanorods and tetrahedrite Cu12Sb4S13 nanocrystals

Controlled synthesis of photoresponsive bismuthinite (Bi2S3) nanostructures mediated through a new 1D bismuth-pyrimidylthiolate coordination polymer as a molecular precursor

Bismuthinite (Bi2S3) nanostructures have garnered significant interest due to their appealing photoresponsivity which has positioned them as an attractive choice for energy conversion applications. However, to utilize their full potential, a simple and economically viable method of preparation is highly desirable. Herein, we present the synthesis and characterization including structural elucidation of a new air- and moisture-stable bismuth-pyrimidylthiolate complex. This complex serves as an efficient single-source molecular precursor for the facile preparation of phase-pure Bi2S3 nanostructures. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Raman spectroscopy, electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and electron microscopy techniques were used to assess the crystal structure, phase purity, elemental composition and morphology of the as-prepared nanostructures. This study also revealed the profound effects of temperature and growth duration on the crystallinity, phase formation and morphology of nanostructures. The optical band gap of the nanostructures was tuned within the range of 1.9-2.3 eV, which is blue shifted with respect to the bulk bandgap and suitable for photovoltaic applications. Liquid junction photo-electrochemical cells fabricated from the as-prepared Bi2S3 nanostructure exhibit efficient photoresponsivity and good photo-stability, which project them as promising candidates for alternative low-cost photon absorber materials.

Synthesis of photoresponsive and photoemissive ultrathin 2D nanosheets of In2S3 achieved through a new single source molecular precursor

Indium sulfide, a two-dimensional semiconductor material, has emerged as a promising candidate for cost-effective and sustainable solar cells. This report deals with the facile preparation of colloidal In₂S₃ with a new ultrathin nanosheet (NS) morphology. The synthesis was mediated through a new structurally characterized single source molecular precursor. The crystal structure, phase purity, and morphology of the NSs were thoroughly investigated by pXRD, Raman, XPS, and electron microscopic techniques. AFM studies revealed that the NSs have an average thickness of ∼1.76 nm. The optical studies confirm quantum confinement in the as-prepared NSs with a blue shift in the direct band gap, which lies in the optimal range suitable for solar cell application. Furthermore, photoluminescence studies indicate strong emission by these NSs in the blue region. The as-synthesized In₂S₃ NSs-based prototype photoelectrochemical cell exhibit high photostability and photoresponsivity, which make them suitable candidates for sustainable solar cells.

Quantum confined ultrathin nanosheets of In₂S₃ were synthesized from a new structurally characterized molecular precursor. The prototype photoelectrochemical cell based on the material exhibited high photostability and photoresponsivity.