Bi2O2.33 Nanostructure-Based Photoanodes for Photoelectrochemical Determination of Trace Soluble Sulfides

Since soluble sulfide ions (S-2(-)) even in low concentration can cause irreversible damage to human beings and the ecosystem, effective monitoring of S2- becomes a priority. Thus, a signal-on strategy for soluble sulfide detection has been designed using a Bi2O2.33 nanostructure-based photoanode. The enlarged PEC activity of nonstoichiometric Bi2O2.33 promotes the sensitivity within the detection process. The specific interaction with S2- induces the in situ formation of surface Bi2S2.33, which extends the light-harvesting ability and inhibits charge recombination. As a result, the PEC signal increases gradually with the increased S2-, making the selective signal-on strategy available. A low detection limit of 0.22 mu M and superior wide linear range (1-1000 mu M) are obtained, making the photoanode a potential alternative in trace sulfide monitoring.

Automated summary

A signal-on strategy for soluble sulfide detection has been designed using a Bi2O2.33 nanostructure-based photoanode, which promotes sensitivity and extends light-harvesting ability by inducing the formation of surface Bi2S2.33 through specific interaction with S2-. This strategy allows for selective detection of sulfide ions, with a low detection limit of 0.22 mu M and a wide linear range from 1 to 1000 mu M, making the photoanode a potential alternative for trace sulfide monitoring.