Bismuth selenide nanoparticles: simple synthesis, characterization, and its light harvesting applications in the presence of novel precursor

Abstract

Bismuth selenide, Bi₂Se₃, nanoparticles were synthesized by a new precursor complex, [bis(salicylate)bismuth(II)]; [Bi₂(Hsal)₃], via a sonochemical method in an aqueous solution. The average diameter of the Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles was 25 nm. The efficiency of the Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles as a photocatalyst for the decolorization of rhodamine-B and methylene blue using ultraviolet light irradiation has been evaluated. Furthermore, a preliminary study on the possibility of developing a solar cell having the FTO/TiO₂/Bi₂Se₃/Pt-FTO structure was also investigated to produce an inexpensive solar cell by Bi₂Se₃ nanoparticles. Products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and EDX analysis.