Alloyed (ZnS)x(CuInS2)1-x semiconductor nanorods: Synthesis, bandgap tuning and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Rod-like nanocrystals of the semiconductor alloy (ZnS) x(CuInS2)1-x (ZCIS) have been colloidally prepared by using a one-pot non-injection-based synthetic strategy. The ZCIS nanorods crystallize in the hexagonal wurtzite structure and display preferential growth in the direction of the c axis. The bandgap of these quarternary alloyed nanorods can be conveniently tuned by varying the ratio of ZnS to CuInS2. A non-linear relationship between the bandgap and the alloy composition is observed. The ZCIS nanorods are found to exhibit promising photocatalytic behaviour in visible-light-driven degradation of Rhodamine B. Tuning the bandgap: Colloidal nanorods of the alloyed semiconductor (ZnS) x(CuInS2)1-x (ZCIS) were prepared by using a facile injection-free synthetic approach. A nonlinear dependence of the semiconductor bandgap on the alloy composition was observed. These alloyed nanorods can be effectively utilized as photocatalysts in visible-light-driven dye degradation (see figure). Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.