Controlling Shape Anisotropy of ZnS–AgInS2 Solid Solution Nanoparticles for Improving Photocatalytic Activity

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b10408
• Publication Date: 2016-10-03T17:40:21Z
• Authors: Tsukasa Torimoto; Yutaro Kamiya; Tatsuya Kameyama; Hiroyasu Nishi; Taro Uematsu; Susumu Kuwabata; Tamaki Shibayama
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy; 0104 chemical sciences

Independently controlling the shape anisotropy and chemical composition of multinary semiconductor particles is important for preparing highly efficient photocatalysts. In this study, we prepared ZnS–AgInS2 solid solution ((AgIn)xZn2(1–x)S2, ZAIS) nanoparticles with well-controlled anisotropic shapes, rod rice by reacting corresponding metal acetates a mixture sulfur compounds different reactivities, elemental sulfur, 1,3-dibutylthiourea, via two-step heating-up process. The predominantly determined energy gap ZAIS particles: fraction Zn2+ in rod-shaped was tuned ratio precursors used nanocrystal formation, while postpreparative doping necessary to increase rice-shaped particles. photocatalytic H2 evolution rate irradiation dispersed an aqueous significantly dependent on case using photocatalyst constant morphology. contrast, activity at optimum composition, x 0.35–0.45, increased particle morphology order (size: ca. 9 × 16 nm) < sphere (diameter: 5.5 4.6 27 nm). highest apparent quantum yield 5.9% particles, being about two times larger than that obtained spherical