Bi2S3 nanoparticles/ZnO nanowire heterojunction films for improved photoelectrochemical cathodic protection for 304 SS under visible light

The Bi2S3-modified ZnO nanowires (Bi2S3/ZnO) were prepared by the electrochemistry deposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction and their photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance was explored. Compared with that of pristine ZnO, the photo-response of the Bi2S3/ZnO heterostructure thin-film red shifted to the visible light range and their photocathodic protection for 304 stainless steel and Q235 carbon steel was improved under visible light. Furthermore, the enhanced mechanism was investigated systematically explored and it found that the appropriate energy level arrangement and the construction of heterojunction is responsible for the enhanced photocathodic protection performance.

Automated summary

In this study, the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection performance was improved by modifying ZnO nanowires. The modified Bi2S3/ZnO heterostructure thin-film showed improved photo-response in the visible light range and effectively protected stainless steel and carbon steel.