Colloidal synthesis and characterization of single-crystalline Sb2Se3 nanowires

Abstract

In the present study, single-crystalline Sb₂Se₃ nanowires have been synthesized by a hot-injection method. The crystal structure of the prepared Sb₂Se₃ nanowires has been comprehensively characterized by a series of techniques, namely X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The mechanism of formation of amorphous phase and nanowires has also been intensively investigated. It is evident that the formation of Sb₂Se₃ nanowires strongly depends on the reaction temperature. A band gap of 1.06 eV for Sb₂Se₃ nanowires has been ascertained from UV-vis-NIR measurements. Moreover, coated film consisting of Sb₂Se₃ nanowires demonstrates a clear photoresponse in photoelectrochemical measurements. This work has conclusively demonstrated that Sb₂Se₃ nanowires have great potential in solar energy conversion.