Fluorine-doped SnO2 Research Articles

Carbon Back Electrode Added SnO2 Nanoparticle for Scalable Multiporous-Layered-Electrode Perovskite Solar Cells

Fully printable carbon-based multiporous-layered-electrode perovskite solar cells (MPLE-PSCs) has long-term stability, because the thick carbon layer (~15 μm) can be protected the perovskite light absorption crystals from ambient water and oxygen [1-5]. This allows MPLE-PSCs to be manufactured in air, and scale-up is possible when used in conjunction with printing technologies. However, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) is lower than that of general thin-film type perovskite solar cells. To solve this problem, we need to introduce high-quality perovskite light-absorbing crystals inside the porous layer by controlling the permeation and crystallization process of the perovskite precursor solution. In this study, it was found that by mixing SnO2 in the mesoporous carbon electrode, the SnO2 acts as an inorganic binder and helps the perovskite precursor solution to penetrate. MPLE-PSCs with a sub-module size of 15.17 cm2 active area were also fabricated using this SnO2-mixed carbon electrode.In order to fabricate MPLE-PSCs, a hole blocking layer (compact-TiO2) layer was deposited on the FTO (fluorine-doped SnO2) glass substrate by the spray pyrolysis method. Then, electron transport layer (mesoporous TiO2), insulation layer (mesoporous ZrO2) and hole transport layer/back contact electrode (mesoporous carbon) were coated by screen printing method. Finally, the perovskite precursor solution ((HOOC(CH2)4NH3)0.05(CH3NH3)0.95PbI3, 1.2 mol/L in γ-butyrolactone) was dropped and annealed to complete the MPLE-PSCs [1].Analysis of the pore size distribution of the carbon electrode, contact angle, and elemental distribution in the cross-section of the MPLE-PSCs showed that mixing SnO2 changed the morphology of the carbon electrode and allowed the perovskite precursor solution to penetrate throughout the mesoporous electrode. The PCE of MPLE-PSCs mixed with SnO2 was found to be 11.02 % at the optimum ratio (15 wt% SnO2 to carbon powder). Furthermore, the PCE of a sub-module fabricated with the same material achieved 9.03 %. This value represents a significant improvement by 22.9 % compared to the pristine-carbon case.[1] A. Mei, et al., Science 345, 295 (2014).[2] R. Tsuji, et al., Electrochemistry 88, 418 (2020).[3] R. Tsuji, et al., Photonics 7, 133 (2020).[4] D. Bogachuk, et al., Carbon 178, 10 (2021).[5] E. Kobayashi, et al., Cell Rep. Phys. Sci. 2, 100648 (2021).

Dual-Functional Cs3Bi2Br9 for stable all-solid-state photo-rechargeable batteries

In light of the immense potential solid-state photo-rechargeable batteries hold in the efficient utilization of renewable solar energy, there is a rapidly growing demand for materials that possess both energy harvesting and storage capabilities. In this study, a solid-state photo-rechargeable battery has been designed based on the FTO(Fluorine-doped SnO2 transparent conductive glass)/TiO2/Cs3Bi2Br9/Pt/FTO system, which achieves dual functions of photoelectric conversion and energy storage. The inorganic bismuth-based material employed in these batteries exhibits commendable cyclic stability. Under photo-rechargeable conditions, a single cell can maintain an open-circuit voltage as high as 0.45 V in the absence of illumination. By connecting multiple cells in series, we succeed in powering an LED (Light-emitting diode) continuously for 1 min without light exposure. The findings of this research open new avenues for the design and development of novel materials that could enable highly efficient solid-state photo-rechargeable batteries.

Simultaneous removal of tetracycline hydrochloride and hexavalent chromium by heterogeneous Fenton in a photocatalytic fuel cell system

In this work, a novel double-chamber system (PFC-Fenton), combined photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) with Fenton, was constructed for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) removal and electricity production. Therein, Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2/Fe2O3/BiVO4/fluorine-doped SnO2 (ZIO/BiVO4/FTO) and carboxylated carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole/graphite felt (CCNTs/Ppy/GF) were served as photoanode and cathode, respectively. Under light irradiation, the removal efficiencies of TCH and Cr(VI) with the addition of H2O2 (2 mL) could reach 93.1% and 80.4%, respectively. Moreover, the first-order kinetic constants (7.37 × 10−3 min−1 of TCH and 3.94 × 10−3 min−1 of Cr(VI)) were 5.26 and 5.57 times as much as the absence of H2O2. Simultaneously, the maximum power density could be obtained 0.022 mW/cm2 at a current density of 0.353 mA/cm2. Therein, the main contribution of TCH degradation was ·OH and holes in anode chamber. The synergistic effect of photoelectrons, generated ·O2−, and H2O2 played a crucial role in the reduction of Cr(VI) in cathode chamber. The high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry indicated that TCH could be partially mineralized into CO2 and H2O. X-ray photoelectron spectroscope and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra showed that Cr(VI) could be reduced to Cr(III). After 5 times of cycling, the removal efficiencies of TCH and Cr(VI) were still greater than 70%, indicating the remarkable stability of the PFC-Fenton system. Overall, this system could remove TCH/Cr(VI) and generate power simultaneously without iron sludge formation, demonstrating a promising method to further develop PFC-Fenton technology.

Solution-processed nanoporous and faceted CuO electrocatalyst for enhanced solar-to-hydrogen and nitrate-to-ammonia production

Porosity control and facet engineering of electrocatalysts are critical for sustainable hydrogen production and wastewater upcycling into value-added chemicals. Herein, we report the sol-gel synthesis of a nanoporous faceted cupric oxide (nf-CuO) electrocatalyst film via a controlled polyesterification reaction. The formation mechanism of the unique nf-CuO morphology was analyzed and proposed. Notably, ligand additives such as ethylene glycol, citric acid, and polyethylene glycol function as morphology-controlling agents, and the polyesterification reaction between ligands can form covalent gel networks with trapped Cu ions. During thermal annealing, nucleation and nanoparticle growth along the covalent gel network enabled the formation of nanoporous and multifaceted CuO electrocatalysts on fluorine-doped SnO2 substrates, which was verified using ex-situ thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The optimally synthesized nf-CuO exhibited high electrocatalytic activity in both photoelectrochemical hydrogen production and electrochemical nitrate reduction reactions. This enhanced performance was attributed to the nanoporosity-induced light-harvesting enhancement, enlarged surface area, and increased number of active sites. Our work emphasizes the importance of additive engineering to simultaneously control the porosity and facets of electrocatalysts and demonstrates its effectiveness in enhancing the electrocatalytic activity of diverse energy conversion devices.

Enhanced electrical and optical properties of porous W-doped V2O5 films under thermally and electrically induced phase transition

Herein, the nanoscale porous W-doped V2O5 thin film was prepared by sol–gel method and post-annealing process on fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) conductive glass substrate using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the structure guide agent. Then a metal–semiconductor-metal (MSM) structure device was fabricated based on the prepared film. The analysis of the surface morphology, elemental constituents, and photoelectric properties confirms the successful formation of a porous W-doped V2O5 film, which exhibited improved electrical and optical properties. Under thermally and electrically induced phase transition, the maximum transmittance modulation depth of the film reached 17.74% at 700 nm between 20 °C and 320 °C and 36.46% at 600 nm under 0.5 V bias voltage, respectively. In the range of 700–1500 nm, the average value of the maximum transmittance modulation depth of the film also increased from 2.74% to 16.9% compared with V2O5 film. With repeated temperature cycling, the film was able to maintain good electrical and optical properties, which is expected to be applied to novel integrated optoelectronic and electrochromic devices.

Photoelectrochemical C-H Activation Through a Quinacridone Dye Enabling Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer.

Dye-sensitized photoanodes for C-H activation in organic substrates are assembled by vacuum sublimation of a commercially available quinacridone (QNC) dye in the form of nanosized rods onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), TiO2 , and SnO2 slides. The photoanodes display extended absorption in the visible range (450-600 nm) and ultrafast photoinduced electron injection (<1 ps, as revealed by transient absorption spectroscopy) of the QNC dye into the semiconductor. The proton-coupled electron-transfer reactivity of QNC is exploited for generating a nitrogen-based radical as its oxidized form, which is competent in C-H bond activation. The key reactivity parameter is the bond-dissociation free energy (BDFE) associated with the N⋅/N-H couple in QNC of 80.5±2.3 kcal mol-1 , which enables hydrogen atom abstraction from allylic or benzylic C-H moieties. A photoelectrochemical response is indeed observed for organic substrates characterized by C-H bonds with BDFE below the 80.5 kcal mol-1 threshold, such as γ-terpinene, xanthene, or dihydroanthracene. This work provides a rational, mechanistically oriented route to the design of dye-sensitized photoelectrodes for selective organic transformations.

Comparative Study of Platinum Nanoparticle Deposition on TiO2/BP and SnO2/BP Nanocomposites for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), in their low temperature (LT, 60-80 °C) and high temperature (HT, 120-200 °C) variants, can be used for broad applications in the automotive and stationary sector. However, the most commonly used PEMFC catalyst, consisting of platinum nanoparticles supported on a carbon black, suffers from degradation under the relevant working conditions e.g. low pH environment and potentials in the range of 0.6-1.5 V vs. RHE. These processes include carbon corrosion, Pt dissolution and detachment as well as agglomeration.[1-3] Especially, carbon corrosion leads to an increase of the support hydrophilicity, decreased conductivity and loss of Pt particles resulting in an overall performance loss of PEMFCs.[1] Different studies already reported a positive effect of metal oxide-carbon composite supports using TiO2-Vulcan®XC-72[1,2], SnO2-Vulcan®XC-72[2,3], or fluorine-doped SnO2 on reduced graphene oxide[4] on the carbon and Pt stability. Moreover, Ruiz Camacho et al. showed higher ORR activity for Pt/TiO2-Vulcan and Pt/SnO2-Vulcan compared to Pt/C and a lower potential for CO oxidation during stripping experiments.[2] This can be beneficial for PEMFC operation with reformate.To further push the activity and stability of Pt/metal oxide-carbon catalysts homogeneous distribution of metal oxide and Pt nanoparticles is necessary. In contrast to previous studies, that uses low surface area Vulcan®XC-72[1-3] the implementation of high surface area Black Pearls (BPs) can enable more homogenous distribution of metal oxides and Pt nanoparticles which can positively impact the activity. In this comparative study, Pt/metal oxide-carbon catalysts using SnO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles on BPs are analyzed towards their physical properties and electrochemical ORR activity and stability. Metal oxide/carbon composites were fabricated by deposition of 50 wt.% commercial SnO2 or TiO2 nanoparticles on Black Pearls® 2000. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals the successful deposition of metal oxides TiO2 (41 wt.%) and SnO2 (47 wt.%) on BP. Next, deposition of 40 wt.% Pt nanoparticles with diameters between 1-2 nm on the metal oxide-BP composites is done. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images display successful deposition of Pt with uniform distribution of Pt for both composite catalysts in Figure 1 a) and c). The elemental mapping of Pt and Sn or Ti, using scanning TEM with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for analysis of the interaction between metal oxide displays homogenous distribution of Pt over the metal oxide-BP supports (Fig 1, b), d)). In the case of Pt/SnO2-BP also uniform Sn distribution is observed whereas for Pt/TiO2-BP partial agglomeration of TiO2 is found.Further analysis of Pt and metal oxides will be given using high resolution-TEM for analysis of lattice distance and ICP-MS for determination of Pt content. Moreover, electrochemical characterization using rotating ring disc electrode will be carried out for comparison of ORR activity and selectivity. Furthermore, an accelerated stress test including 5000 cycles in the range of 0.6-1.5 V vs. RHE in N2-saturated 0.1 mol L-1 HClO4 is applied to analyze the overall catalyst stability. The results will reveal the most promising candidate in terms of activity and stability for future application in HT-PEM half- and single-cell setups.

Fluorine-Doped SnO 2 Thin Films in Solar Cell Applications. Morphological, Optical and Electrical Properties

Fluorine-Doped SnO 2 Thin Films in Solar Cell Applications. Morphological, Optical and Electrical Properties

Efficient BiVO4 Photoanode Fabricated Via Sputtering on Patterned Fto

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a promising photoanode material; however, its efficiency significantly changes depending on the atomic ratio of Bi/V, and there is no suitable method for synthesizing large-area photoanodes. In this study, an efficient BiVO4 photoanode was fabricated via sputtering, by manipulating the molar ratio of Bi/V with V solution annealing. V solution annealing not only adjusted the atomic ratio of Bi/V but also increased the number of O vacancies, thereby improving the charge-separation and charge-transport efficiencies. Consequently, the photocurrent density of the sputtered photoanode with V solution annealing (BVO-V) was 1.86 mA/cm2, which is 23 times higher than that of the sputtered photoanode annealed under air conditions (BVO-A, 81.0 µA/cm2). Furthermore, microcone-patterned fluorine-doped SnO2 was fabricated to increase the active area and reduce the high reflectance, owing to the dense deposition because of the sputtering. Thus, the photocurrent density of the MC-BVO was 3.11 mA/cm2, which is approximately 67% higher than that of BVO-V (1.86 mA/cm2). Figure 1

Study on the optical properties of FTO/W-V2O5/FTO composite film under electric induced phase transition

W-doped V2O5 thin film was prepared by sol-gel method and post annealing process on fluorine-doped SnO2(FTO) conductive glass substrate. The FTO/W-V2O5/FTO sandwiched structure was fabricated on FTO substrate using photolithography and a chemical etching process. The crystallinity, surface morphology and photoelectric properties of the composite films were tested under different temperatures and applied voltages. The transmittance difference of FTO/W-V2O5/FTO composite film at the wavelength of 750 nm is 11.24% from 23 °C to 300 °C without voltage applied. Under the applied voltage of 5V, the transmittance difference can reach 13.50% from 23 °C to 300 °C. After repeated application of voltage and heating, the structure still maintains stable performance and has good electrical and thermal control capabilities. It is expected to be applied in new optoelectronic devices.

Role of lithium intercalation in fluorine-doped tin oxide thin films: Ab initio calculations and experiment.

Using a combination of experimental techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the influence of lithium insertion on the electronic and electrochemical properties of fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) is assessed. For this purpose, we investigate the electrochromic behavior of a commercial FTO electrode embedded in a solution of lithium perclorate (LiClO4). The electrochromic properties are evaluated by UV-vis spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. These tests show that FTO exhibits electrochromism with a respectable coloration efficiency (η = 47.9 cm2/C at 637nm). DFT study indicates that lithium remains ionized in the lattice, raising the Fermi level about 0.7eV deep into the conduction band. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to study chemical bonding and oxidation states. XPS analysis of the Sn 3d core levels reveals that lithium insertion in FTO induces a shift of 350meV in the Sn 3d states, suggesting that lithium is incorporated into the SnO2 lattice.

Copper oxide nanoleaves covered with loose nickel oxide nanoparticles for sensitive and selective non-enzymatic nitrite sensors

In this work, we developed a new method for preparing copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures, designed and prepared a CuONiO modified fluorine-doped SnO2 transparent conductive glass (FTO) electrode for electrochemical sensor to effectively detect the nitrite. The leaf-shaped CuO nanostructures grow uniformly on the FTO electrode, resulting in the increased contact area and reduced transfer resistance. The NiO nanoparticles effectively dispersed in the gaps between the leaves can further improve the electron transfer and reduce the diffusion resistance. The electrochemical results demonstrated that the prepared electrode exhibited high sensitivity (7.2 mA mM−1 cm−2), broad linear range (0.001–1.8 mM) and low detection limit (0.013 μM). Moreover, the prepared sensor also reflected good reproducibility, stability and anti-interference in the detection of actual samples, which provides a good application prospect for metal oxides used in water quality and environmental monitoring.

Photoelectrochemical sensing and mechanism investigation of hydrogen peroxide using a pristine hematite nanoarrays

In this paper, a facile hydrothermal combined with subsequent two-step post-calcination method was used to fabricate hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoarrays on fluorine-doped SnO2 glass (FTO). The morphology, crystalline phase, optical property and surface chemical states of the fabricated α-Fe2O3 photoelectrode were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy correspondingly. The α-Fe2O3 photoelectrode exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) response toward hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in aqueous solutions, with a low detection limit of 20 μM (S/N = 3) and wide linear range (0.01–0.09, 0.3–4, and 6–16 mM). Additionally, the α-Fe2O3 photoelectrode shows satisfying reproducibility, stability, selectivity and good feasibility for real samples. Mechanism analysis indicates, comparing with H2O, H2O2 possesses much more fast reaction kinetics over α-Fe2O3 surface, thus the recombination of photogenerated charges are reduced, followed by much more photogenerated electrons are migrated to the counter electrode via external circuit. The insight on the enhanced photocurrent, which is corelative to the concentration of H2O2 in aqueous solution, will stimulate us to further optimize the surface structure of α-Fe2O3 to gain highly efficient α-Fe2O3 based sensors.

Synthesis and optical analyses of fluorine doped tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles

The study was focused on to synthesis of pure and fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) nanoparticles by sol-gel method combining with low temperature, 300 °C, annealing process, immediately after gelation. The relationship between the structural and optical properties of FTO was investigated to understand the effects of fluorine amount on the optical transmittance ratio and configuration of electronic energy levels. Homogeneous distribution of fluorine in SnO2 lattice was observed at all synthesized FTO powders. In addition, the change in electronic energy configuration was investigated by the fluctuation from 3.85 eV to 3.64 eV in band gap energy values according to the amount of fluorine in SnO2. The optical transmittance values were observed in the range of ∼90% and 95%. Optical analysis proved that the amount of fluorine had no specific effect on the high optical transmittance performances of SnO2 particles in the visible region, however the F amount had high impact on band gap energy values due to due to varying defect intensity.

A comparison of visible-light photocatalysts for solar photoelectrocatalysis coupled to solar photoelectro-Fenton: Application to the degradation of the pesticide simazine

Three different visible-light photocatalysts (hematite (α-Fe2O3), bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) and Mo-doped bismuth vanadate (BiMoVO4)) deposited on transparent fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO) were evaluated for the solar-driven photoelectrocatalytic treatment of emerging pollutants. BiMoVO4 was found to be the most effective photoanode, yielding the fastest degradation rate constant and highest mineralization efficiency using phenol as the oxidation probe. The BiMoVO4 photoanode was then used to degrade the herbicide simazine in a photoelectrolytic cell combining photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) with photoelectron-Fenton (PEF) under solar light (SPEC-SPEC). Total simazine removal was achieved within 1 min of treatment (kapp = 4.21 min−1) at the optimum electrode potential of 2.5 V vs Ag/AgCl, with complete TOC removal in 2 h. The analysis of anionic species in solution during treatment showed that most of the nitrogen heteroatoms in the simazine structure were converted into NO3− following •OH addition to organic N. This innovative process combining BiMoVO4-PEC with PEF using solar light as a sustainable source of energy (SPEC-SPEF) achieved the highest degradation/mineralization efficiency ever reported for simazine treatment. Besides, this is the first work reporting the photo(electrochemical) degradation of this toxic herbicide.

The Cerium/Boron Insertion Impact in Anatase Nano-Structures on the Photo-Electrochemical and Photocatalytic Response

Boron- and cerium-doped titania (Anatase) were prepared via sol-gel method. Phase composition and morphology were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), BET, diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and XPS. Photo-electrochemistry of these materials, deposited onto fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO), was investigated in acid and acid-containing methanol. The boron-doped sample showed the best opto-electronic properties among the investigated samples. On the other hand, the cerium-doped titania samples annihilate to a certain extent the titania surface states, however, photogenerated charge separation was limited, and certainly associated to surface Ce3+/Ce4+ species. The substitutional effect of boron ions for O sites and interstitial sites was confirmed by XRD and XPS analyses.

Transport properties and electronic structure of fluorine-doped SnO2 prepared by ultrasonic assisted mist deposition

We have investigated the relationship between the transport properties and electronic states of fluorine-doped tin dioxide (FTO) films prepared by ultrasonic assisted mist deposition. The resistivity of the films has the minimum against F/Sn ratios caused by the saturation of carrier concentration. The core-level and valence band PES spectra revealed that there were fluorine ions with two different chemical states and excess fluorine ions tended to form impurity states in band gap, which would not contribute to the conduction of the films. These spectroscopic results well explain the saturated tendency of the carrier concentration of the FTO films.

Ultrawide Band Gap Oxide Semiconductor-Triggered Performance Improvement of Perovskite Solar Cells via the Novel Ga2O3/SnO2 Composite Electron-Transporting Bilayer.

The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially for the parameters of open-circuit voltage (Voc) and fill factor, is seriously restricted by the unavoidable interfacial charge recombination. In this study, an ultrawide band gap semiconductor material of Ga2O3 is introduced between fluorine-doped tin oxide and SnO2 to regulate the interfacial charge dynamics by forming the Ga2O3/SnO2 electron-transporting bilayer. Ga2O3 has an appropriate conduction band minimum which benefits the electron transport, and at the same time, it has a very deep valence band maximum which could be regarded as an effective blocking layer. Such an innovative structure triggers the advantages of a lower work function and a smoother surface of the electron-transporting bilayer which leads to a high-quality perovskite film. Furthermore, superior hole-blocking properties of the introduced Ga2O3 layer could effectively reduce the interfacial recombination. All the properties could help to improve the extracting and transporting ability of charge carriers synergistically. Finally, the efficiency and stability of PSCs are greatly enhanced. All results suggest that the performance of PSCs could be improved effectively by introducing the ultrawide band gap oxide semiconductor of Ga2O3.

Scalable Fabrication of Scratch-Proof Transparent Al/F-SnO2 Hybrid Electrodes with Unusual Thermal and Environmental Stability.

Fabrication protocols of transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs), including those which produce TCEs of high values of figure of merit, often fail to address issues of scalability, stability, and cost. When it comes to working with high-temperature stable electrodes, one is left with only one and that too, an expensive choice, namely, fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO). It is rather difficult to replace FTO with a low-cost TCE due to stability issues. In the present work, we have shown that an Al nanomesh fabricated employing the crack template method exhibits extreme thermal stability in air even at 500 °C, compared with that of FTO. In order to fill in the non-conducting island regions present in between the mesh wires, a moderately conducting material SnO2 layer was found adequate. The innovative step employed in the present work relates to the SnO2 deposition without damaging the underneath Al, which is a challenge in itself, as the commonly used precursor, SnCl2 solution, is quite corrosive toward Al. Optimization of spray coating of the precursor while the Al mesh on a glass substrate held at an appropriate temperature was the key to form a stable hybrid electrode. The resulting Al/SnO2 electrode exhibited an excellent transparency of ∼83% at 550 nm and a low sheet resistance of 5.5 Ω/□. SnO2 coating additionally made the TCE scratch-proof and mechanically stable, as the adhesion tape test showed only 8% change in sheet resistance after 1000 cycles. Further, to give FTO-like surface finish, the SnO2 surface was fluorinated by treating with a Selectfluor solution. As a result, the Al/F-SnO2 hybrid film exhibited one order higher surface conductivity with negligible sensitivity toward humidity and volatile organics, while becoming robust toward neutral electrochemical environments. Finally, a custom-designed projection lithography technique was used to pixelate the Al/SnO2 hybrid film for optoelectronic device applications.

Synthesis of Bi2S3 thin films based on pulse-plating bismuth nanocrystallines and its photoelectrochemical properties.

The solubility of Bi3+ in aqueous solution is an important factor that limits the fabrication of high-quality Bi2S3 thin films. In order to find a low-cost method to manufacture high-quality Bi2S3 thin films, we are reporting the preparation of the Bi2S3 thin films based on pulse-plating method in this paper for the first time. The nano-bismuth particles were obtained by electroplating on fluorine-doped SnO2 (FTO)-coated conducting glass substrates with saturated bismuth potassium citrate solution as the electroplating bath, and then it was put into a muffle furnace to oxidize. Finally, the thin films depositing on FTO glass substrates were put into the thioacetamide solution for vulcanization. In the end, the Bi2S3 thin films were successfully prepared on FTO glass substrates. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the structure, morphology and photoelectrochemical properties of the prepared thin films. The test results revealed that we used this method to synthesize the high-quality Bi2S3 thin films, thus the Bi2S3 materials synthesized through this method are promising candidates in photoelectrochemical application.