Synthesis, characterization, and optical properties of visible light-driven Bi2S3 nanorod photocatalysts

Abstract

We report a simple and large-scale one-pot method for the synthesis of Bi2S3 nanorods by using the complexation of Bi(NO3)3·5H2O and Na2S·9H2O precursors. The as-synthesized photocatalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis measurements. The photocatalytic performance of the Bi2S3 nanorods was evaluated for the photodegradation of phenol red under visible light irradiation. The orthorhombic Bi2S3 photocatalyst exhibited a 99% photocatalytic efficiency at 100 min under visible light irradiation, which is ascribed to the high specific surface area and crystallinity. The active sites on the Bi2S3 photocatalyst diminished the unwanted recombination of charge carriers within the photocatalyst.