Photocurrent Response Properties Research Articles

Three new organic hybrid lanthanide antimony selenides with photocurrent response and photocatalytic properties

Three new organic hybrid lanthanide antimony selenides [Ln(teta)2][SbSe4] [teta = triethylenetetramine, Ln = Ho (1a), Er (1b) and Tm (1c)] were solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1a-c are isostructural and their crystal structures consist of discrete [Ln(teta)2]3+ cations and [SbSe4]3− anions, which are interconnected by the NH···Se hydrogen bonds, resulting in the three-dimensional network structures. The absorption edges of 1a-c are in the range of 1.82–1.99 eV, implying the excellent visible-light harvesting ability. Consequently, 1a-c show remarkable photocurrent response and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. This work not only presents the rare example of lanthanide antimony selenides as visible-light-driven photo-catalysts, but also offers a reliable way for the preparation of other new lanthanide antimony selenides with photoelectric and photocatalytic properties.

Syntheses, crystal structures and photocurrent responses of Cs2Ag2Sb2S5 and CsAgSb4S7 with thiourea as a mineralizer.

Two layered compounds Cs2Ag2Sb2S5 (1) and CsAgSb4S7 (2) were successfully synthesized using a mild solvothermal method with thiourea as a mineralizer. The syntheses of these two silver-containing quaternary sulfides indicate that thiourea is a novel effective mineralizer. Both compounds are semiconductors and compound 1 exhibits excellent photocurrent response properties.

Two new gallium(III)-thioantimonates TM(tren)GaSbS4 (TM = Mn, Fe): Syntheses, crystal structure and properties

In this paper, Two novel organic-decorated gallium(III)-thioantimonates TM(tren)GaSbS 4 (TM = Mn ( 1 ), Fe ( 2 )) have been successfully synthesized by solvothermal method under low temperature. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit promising photocurrent properties and magnetic characteristics were found. • Two gallium(III)-thioantimonates TM(tren)GaSbS 4 (TM = Mn ( 1 ), Fe ( 2 )) were solvothermally prepared. • Compounds 1 and 2 contain an unsaturated complex cation [TM(tren)] 2+ is directly incorporated into the inorganic chain. • The magnetic and photocurrent response properties of the two compounds were investigated. Two organic-decorated gallium(III)-thioantimonates TM(tren)GaSbS 4 (TM = Mn ( 1 ), Fe ( 2 )) [tren = tris (2-aminoethyl) amine)] were prepared by the solvothermal method in a mixture of organic amines and alcohols. In both compounds, dimeric [Ga 2 S 6 ] units and two SbS 3 pyramids interconnect to produce 8-membered Ga 2 Sb 2 S 4 rings, which condenses into the ultimately infinite anionic 1 ∞ {[GaSbS 4 ] 2- } chain. The [TM(tren)] 2+ cation is positioned at the periphery of the chain anion and the TM 2+ ion is directly joined into the inorganic skeleton. The UV-visible absorption spectra showed band gaps of compounds 1 and 2 for 2.24 and 1.62 eV. Compounds 1 and 2 have rapid and reproducible photocurrent responses, while 1 has a stronger transient photocurrent response, about double that of 2 .

Synthesis, structure, characterizations and theoretical research of a chain-like iodoplumbate hybrid

With the in situ-formed [MDMAP]+ (MDMAP+ = 1-methyl-4-dimethylaminopyridine) cations as structure-directing agents, a new chain-typed iodoplumbate hybrid, i.e., [MDMAP]PbI3 (1) has been solvothermally obtained and structurally characterized. Compound 1 belongs to the Pbca (No. 61) space group and has an infinite one-dimensional (1 D) [Pb2I6] n 2 n − anionic chain. Interestingly, it exhibits the semiconductor behavior with the band gap of 2.82 eV, which endows it with rapid and conspicuous photocurrent response property. Presented in this work also includes its thermal stability, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization and theoretical studies.

Progressive framework designing and photocurrent responsive tuning based on tetra(4-pyridyl)-tetrathiafulvalene ligand

Although metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) based on redox-active tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit show good photocurrent performance, related reports about systematically elucidating the relationship between framework and photocurrent propriety are still scarce. Herein, three topologically and dimensionally tunable MOFs based on the redox active tetra(4-pyridyl)-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF(py)4), terephthalic acid (TPA), 4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (BDA) and 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid (OBA) ligand, namely as [Cd(TTF(py)4)2(TPA)2]n (1), [Zn(TTF(py)4)2(BDA)2]n (2) and {[Zn(TTF(py)4)2(OBA)2] H2O}n (3), were prepared via utilizing solvothermal method. Single crystal diffraction analysis showed that the structural adjustment of auxiliary ligands can realize the supramolecular networks with different dimensions well. The rod-shaped auxiliary ligands can endow MOFs (complex 1 and 2) with better three-dimensional (3D) extension skeleton. As a comparison, the fold-like auxiliary ligand (OBA) enabled complex 3 to extend along the two-dimensional (2D) backbone. In addition, all complexes exhibit redox activity and photocurrent responsive properties. Interestingly, complex 3 linking by fold-like auxiliary ligand shows nearly 10 times higher photocurrent intensity than traditional TTF unit. This work sheds some light on the construction of complexes with high photocurrent response properties through rational tuning of MOFs dimensions.

A new metal complex-templated silver iodobismuthate exhibiting photocurrent response and photocatalytic property.

An organic-inorganic hybrid silver iodobismuthate characteristic of the infrequent [Ag2BiI6L2] cluster (L = I or I3) and with a unique Ag/Bi molar ratio (2/1), namely, [Zn(bipy)3]2Ag2BiI6(I)1.355(I3)1.645 (bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; 1), was solvothermally synthesized, and structurally, optically, and theoretically studied. Intriguingly, compound 1 exhibited semiconductor behavior with an optical band gap of 2.33 eV, which endowed it with excellent photoelectric and photocatalytic properties. Electronic structure calculations further revealed that the relative separate conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) in compound 1 may be responsible for the good optical activity. This study also includes the Hirshfeld surface analyses, thermogravimetric measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization.

Hydrothermal synthesis and controlled growth of group-VIB W metal compound nanostructures from tungsten oxide to tungsten disulphide.

Two-dimensional lateral group-VIB transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted much attention in the fast evolving field of advanced photoelectric functional materials, but their controllable fabrication is challenging. Herein, an emerging synthetic route for sulfurization of tungsten oxide was developed. During the hydrothermal reaction, the optimization of the precursor selection and synthesis parameters led to the tunable properties of WO3-WSxOy-WS2 nanostructures. The vulcanization was thermodynamically favorably at low temperatures and in an environment with a sufficient S source, wherein WO3 was reduced by H atoms to WO3-x, and S atoms were preferentially adsorbed on O vacancies. The WSxOy nanostructures have a narrow band-gap attributed to the effect of S on the valence band top and electronic density of states by density functional theory. The photocurrent response and charge transfer properties of WSxOy were improved due to the charge transport between WS2 and WO3. Understanding the formation and transformation of WS2 nanostructures in solution contributes to the discovery of the important structure-efficiency relationship, which may be extended to other TMDs systems. Hence, extensive research efforts are still needed to develop safer and more efficient synthesis and modification methods to fully utilize the distinctive advantageous properties of TMDs in the photoelectric field.

Self-powered TiO2 NRs UV photodetectors: Heterojunction with PTTh and enhanced responsivity by Au nanoparticles

In this paper, novel self-powered p-n heterojunction UV photodetectors (TiO2 nanorod arrays/polyterthiophene (TiO2 NRs/PTTh) and TiO2 nanorod arrays/Au nanoparticles/polyterthiophene (TiO2 NRs/Au/PTTh)) are successfully constructed by combining the hydrothermal method and electrochemical deposition method. The structures, morphologies and photocurrent response properties of TiO2 NRs/PTTh and TiO2 NRs/Au/PTTh heterojunction UV photodetectors are systematically studied. These results show that TiO2 NRs/PTTh UV photodetector has self-powered performance, and also exhibit high sensitivity, good stability and fast response. Furthermore, the detection performance of UV photodetector could be further improved by using Au NPs as the middle layer due to the pyro-phototronic effect between Au NPs and TiO2 NRs. The responsivity (R) of TiO2 NRs/PTTh and TiO2 NRs/Au/PTTh UV photodetectors are respectively 0.0774 mA/W and 1.894 mA/W, and the detectability (D*) are respectively 2.155 × 109 Jones and 1.666 × 1010 Jones. Compared with the TiO2 NRs/PTTh UV photodetector, the rise time (τr) and fall time (τf) of TiO2 NRs/Au/PTTh UV photodetector are obviously shortened. And these results also confirm that the TiO2 NRs/Au/PTTh UV photodetector with heterojunction structure is a suitable candidate for self-powered UV photodetector. This work offers an effective strategy for the development of self-powered UV photodetectors.

The first selenidostannate directed by low-valent vanadium(II) complex: Photocurrent response and magnetic properties

A novel selenidostannate [VII(dien)2]2[Sn2Se6] (1, dien = diethylenetriamine) was solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. 1 contains [VII(dien)2]2+ complex cations and dimeric [Sn2Se6]4- anion based on two tetrahedral [SnSe4] sharing a common edge, which provides the first example of the chalcogenidostannates directed by low-valent vanadium(II) complex as structure-directing agents (SDAs). 1 is a wide-band-gap semiconductor with absorption edge of 2.11 eV which shows photocurrent response properties. its magnetic properties and density functional theory calculation were also investigated.

An Organic Hybrid Indium-Telluride Incorporating Binuclear Complexes [In2(ea)4]2+ with a Bridging Oxygen Donor.

The new organic hybrid indium-telluride [In2(ea)2Te2]n (1; Hea = ethanolamine) exhibits a new type of one-dimensional polymeric chain based on the linkages of dinuclear [In2(ea)4]2+ and [In2Te4]2- units, which offers the first example of an indium-telluride framework incorporating binuclear complexes [In2(ea)4]2+ with a bridging O donor. 1 shows a distinctive photocurrent response and photocatalytic properties under visible-light illumination.

Synthesis, crystal structure and photocurrent response property of a copper(II)-organic supramolecular coordination compound based on [Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2]4+ cations and [Cu(EDTA)]2− anions

A hydrogen-bonded hexanuclear cluster-based supramolecular coordination compound {[Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2][Cu(EDTA)]2·14H2O}n (1) (phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline, EDTA4- = full deprotonated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) has been isolated through the self-assembly of aromatic diimine ligand phen and sexadentate ligand EDTA4- with acetate copper(II). The [Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2][Cu(EDTA)]2·14H2O unit contains a centrally chair-like stepped hydroxy-bridged tetranuclear [Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2]4+ cationic cluster, two opposite EDTA4- chelated mononuclear [Cu(EDTA)]2- coordination anions, and fourteen free water molecules. The discrete [Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2][Cu(EDTA)]2·14H2O unit is extended to a 3D supramolecular structure {[Cu4(phen)4(OH)4(H2O)2][Cu(EDTA)]2·14H2O}n (1) by van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonds. The structure of 1 has been defined by single crystal X-ray diffractometer (SCXRD), and well-characterized by a series of technologies, such as infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. In addition, the photocurrent response, electrochemistry and luminescence properties have also been investigated.

A Copper(I)-Thioarsenate(III) Inorganic Framework Directed by [Ni(en)3]2.

One novel three-dimensional (3-D) copper(I)-thioarsenate(III) [Ni(en)3]Cu4As4S9 (1, en = ethylenediamine) has been solvothermally prepared with the utilization of the in situ formation of [Ni(en)3]2+ complex as structure-directing agent (SDA). 1 contains cubane-like [Cu8S12]16- clusters and rare tetrameric [As4S9]6- units, which are interconnected to generate the first example of a 3-D anionic framework [Cu4As4S9]n2n-, topologically identical to pyrite, and having large channels filled by [Ni(en)3]2+ complex cations. 1 is a potential wide-band-gap semiconductor with an energy gap of 1.91 eV that exhibits selectively photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. The density functional theory calculation, photocurrent response, and magnetic properties of 1 were also investigated.

Two Organic Hybrid Iodoplumbates Directed by a Bifunctional Bis(pyrazinyl)triazole

The two novel organic hybrid iodoplumbates [Hhbpt]2[H2hbpt][H4hbpt][Pb5I18]·9H2O (1, hbpt = 1H-3,5- bis(pyrazinyl)-1,2,4-triazole) and [Pb2I(bpt)2(H2O)3(I3·1/2I2)] (2) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. 1 contains a new type of pentanuclear cluster [Pb5I18]8- anion, while 2 comprises an unprecedented 2-D polyiodoplumbate layer. Both 1 and 2 are potential semiconductors with narrow absorption edges of 1.98 eV for 1 and 1.38 eV for 2. 2 also shows photocurrent response and photoluminescent properties.

One-Dimensional Vanadium(III) Chalcogenidostannates Incorporating [V(tepa)]3+ Complexes as Bridging Groups.

Two new one-dimensional (1D) vanadium(III) chalcogenidostannates, [H2tepa]0.5n[VIII(tepa)(μ-Sn2Q6)]n [Q = S (1), Se (2); tepa = tetraethylenepentamine], were achieved by solvothermal methods, which offer the first examples of organic hybrid polymeric chalcogenidostannates incorporating [V(tepa)]3+ complexes as bridging groups. Both 1 and 2 feature the 1D sinusoidal chains of [VIII(tepa)(μ-Sn2Q6)]n containing two types of novel bridging modes of the [μ-Sn2Q6]4- anion. Their magnetic, photocurrent response, and optical properties are also studied.

A novel 3-D lead-iodide polymer based on the linkage of rare binuclear [Pb2I]3+ cations and anionic bis(pyrazinyl)-trizole bridges

A novel 3-D lead-iodide polymer [Pb2I(μ-bpt-z)3]n (1, Hbpt-z = 3,5-bis(pyrazinyl)-1,2,4-trizole) has been hydrothermally prepared and structurally characterized. 1 offers the first example of a 3-D lead-iodide polymer built up from the linkage of rare binuclear [Pb2I]3+ cations and anionic bis(pyrazinyl)-trizole bridges. 1 exhibits photoluminescent and photocurrent response properties, and its density functional theory calculation was also studied.

One Octasubstituted Trisalkoxotetradecavanadate Cluster.

One novel octasubstituted trisalkoxotetradecavanadate cluster, [V14O18(tri)2(Htri)6(HCOO)2]·2H2O [1; H3tri = tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane], was revealed by a hydrothermal method. 1 shows a new type of fully reduced trisalkoxotetradecavanadate cluster, incorporating the highest number of H3tri ligands, that is constructed by the interconnection of two rare trisalkoxoheptavanadate units via two O bridges. The magnetic and photocurrent response properties were investigated.

Two Hybrid Polymeric Iodoargentates Incorporating Aromatic N-Heterocycle Derivatives as Electron Acceptors.

Two new hybrid polymeric iodoargentates, [Ag2I2(phen)]n (1; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and [AgI(bpt)]n (2; bpt = 3,5-bis(pyrazinyl)-1,2,4-triazole), were prepared by the hydrothermal methods. 1 displays a new type of taenioid, [Ag2I2(phen)]n, chain incorporating phen molecules, while 2 exhibits a unique 2D hybrid iodoargentate based on a combination of the [AgI]n layer and bpt molecules as electron acceptors. Such a 2D layer is the first example of an inorganic iodoargentate layer covalently bonding to aromatic N-heterocycle derivatives within the iodoargentates. 1 and 2 exhibit photocurrent response properties.

Excellent synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation from the novel Cu3SnS4@C nano-heterostructure

A new sphere-like nano-heterostructure of Cu3SnS4@C (CTS@C) was well designed and fabricated by two-step hydrothermal route, which is ideally suited for synergistic physical adsorption and photodegradation of anionic dye. Compared to the pure C or CTS nanospheres, CTS@C nano-heterostructure has smaller surface area but exhibits excellent performance. It possesses high adsorption efficiency of 97.04% for removal of methyl orange (MO) at pH 5.5. And also, the superior synergistic adsorption and photodegradation performance makes it exhibit 99.38% degradation efficiency within 210 min at pH 7.5, which is about 1.8 times higher than that of simplex adsorption (56.23%). These might be attributed to the higher light harvesting, effective charge separation, lower charge-transfer resistance and high photocurrent response properties of CTS@C nanostructures. Moreover, the CTS@C nano-heterostructured photocatalyst can effectively avoid surface passivation during the process of synergistic adsorption and photodegradation, and be easily regenerated from the reaction system for recycling, suggesting a promising candidates for synergistic adsorption and photocatalysis applications.

Mild solvothermal syntheses and characterizations of four quaternary layered sulfides AAgCdS2 (A = K, Rb, Cs) and Cs2Cu2Cd2S4

Four layered quaternary sulfides KAgCdS2 (1), RbAgCdS2 (2), CsAgCdS2 (3), and Cs2Cu2Cd2S4 (4) have been successfully synthesized by mild solvothermal methods by employing excess sulfur as a mineralizer. Compound 1 possesses anionic [AgCdS2]nn− double layers. Compounds 2 and 3 are isostructural and contain anionic [AgCdS2]nn− single layers. Although both of the two structures are constructed by edge-sharing [MS4] (M = Ag/Cd) tetrahedral units, their condensation behaviors are totally different. The structure of 4 consists of infinite [Cd2S4]n4n− chains and [CuS2]2- dumbbells that linked to form [Cu2Cd2S4]n2n− layers. According to the UV–vis diffuse reflectance experiments, the band gaps of the title compounds are 1.92 eV (1), 2.16 eV (2), 2.42 eV (3), and 2.23 eV (4). Additionally, the photoelectrochemical experiments indicate that compounds 2 and 3 exhibit excellent photocurrent responsive properties.

Unique Two-Dimensional Indium Telluride Templated by a Rare Wheel-Shaped Heterobimetallic Mn/In Cluster

A new indium telluride, [Mn4.78In2.22(ea)12]n[In9.79Mn0.21Te17]n (where Hea = ethanolamine), containing unprecedented nonsupertetrahedral [In9.79Mn0.21Te21] units is the first example of a two-dimensional indium telluride framework templated by a rare high-nuclearity wheel-shaped heterometallic [Mn4.78In2.22(ea)12]4.22+ cluster. The photocurrent response and magnetic properties were investigated.