Morphology-controlled synthesis of Bi2S3 nanomaterials via single- and multiple-source approaches

Bi2S3 nanomaterials of various morphologies, including nanorods, dandelion-like nanostructures, nanoleaves, nanoflowers, and nanocabbages were successfully synthesized from the single-source precursor Bi(SCOPh)(3) (1) or multiple-source precursors by using a colloidal solution method or hydrothermal method. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) patterns show that the Bi2S3 belongs to the orthorhombic phase. Furthermore, the quantification by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis gives consistent results. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies reveal that the as-prepared Bi2S3 can be tuned to different morphologies. The interplay of factors that influenced the morphologies and sizes of the nanomaterials were studied. The possible reasons for the formation of Bi2S3 nanomaterials are also proposed.