3D Hierarchical Bi(2)S(3) Nanostructures by Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Chloride Ion-Assisted Synthesis and Their Photodetecting Properties

A solvothermal method has been employed to synthesize bismuth sulfide (Bi(2)S(3)) with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical architectures. The influences of different types of surfactants and Cl(−) species on the size and morphology were investigated. A possible formation mechanism was also proposed on the basis of time-dependent experiments. The photoresponse properties show that the conductivity of Bi(2)S(3) micro-flowers is significantly enhanced and the photocurrent is approximately two orders of magnitude larger than the dark current. The response and decay times are estimated to be 142 and 151 ms, respectively. It is expected that hierarchical architectures Bi(2)S(3) may provide a new pathway to develop advanced nanomaterial for high-speed and high-sensitivity photoelectrical switches and photodetecting devices.