Synthesis, formation mechanism and photoelectric properties of GeS nanosheets and nanowires

Single-crystalline GeS nanosheets and nanowires have been selectively synthesized by simply varying the reaction conditions via a convenient wet chemical approach. The formation mechanism of the nanosheets and nanowires has been proposed. The results from time-dependent reactions proved that the GeS nanowires were formed by a rolling-up mechanism. Films made of as-synthesized GeS nanosheets and nanowires were found to have an outstanding photoelectric response, suggesting their potential in solar energy applications. The structure, morphology, composition and optical absorption properties of the as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy.