Photoconductive Thin Films Composed of Environmentally Benign AgBiS2 Nanocrystal Inks Obtained through a Rapid Phase Transfer Process

We demonstrate a fast solution phase ligand exchange process to generate AgBiS2 nanocrystal inks using a cinnamic acid derivative as an additive to accelerate the phase transfer to polar solvents. Photoconductivity in thin films assembled from the AgBiS2 nanocrystal inks is achieved by using a single deposition step, avoiding multiple layer iterations. The inks remain colloidally stable after several days, and photoconductor devices showcase fast response times <4 ms, high on/off ratios similar to 20, and film conductivities of similar to 3 x 10(-8) S/cm, highlighting the promise in completely solution processed thin film electronics and optoelectronics using eco-friendly materials.

Automated summary

A fast solution phase ligand exchange process was demonstrated to generate AgBiS2 nanocrystal inks using a cinnamic acid derivative as an additive. These inks can be used to achieve photoconductivity in thin films with fast response times and high on/off ratios, showcasing good stability and potential for solution processed thin film electronics and optoelectronics.