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Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an emerging way for the production of H2, which has the ability to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels for the power generation and provide an ecologically safe storage of solar energy. Fabrication of photoelectrode is one of the major challenges to make PEC water splitting more effective and efficiently sustainable. In this article, we have focussed on the studies of antimony (Sb)-incorporated ZnO photoelectrodes and their evident effects in boosting the PEC water splitting activities using different concentrations of Sb incorporated on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) via aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition method (AACVD). The as-deposited photoelectrodes were characterized by using different techniques and were applied for the water splitting. The incorporated thin films exhibited better light absorbance in the visible range, probably because of the generation of extra energy levels through metal incorporation. An enhanced PEC water splitting performance was observed by Sb-incorporated ZnO photoelectrodes as compared to pure ZnO. More specifically, 15% Sb-incorporated ZnO attained a photocurrent density of 0.99 mA cm−2 at 0.85 V vs. Ag/AgCl and maximum photo-stability that is quite greater as compared to pure ZnO (0.19 mA cm−2). This improvement was stated by the reduced bandgap and multifaceted morphological aspects of Sb-incorporated ZnO. In the production of simple and low-cost synthetic methods and effective electrode materials for PEC water splitting applications, these results are proved to be very helpful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting ability of pure ZnO and manganese-incorporated ZnO thin films fabricated via a simple aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) method was compared in Na2SO4 electrolyte solution. Optical properties analysis showed the shifting of optical band gap from 3.02 to 2.76 eV as the molar ratio of Mn varies from 0.02 to 0.15. All the compositions of Zn1−xMnxO (x = 0.02 to 0.15) show superior photocurrent density compared to pure ZnO-based photoanodes. The activity of Zn0.85Mn0.15O was found highest with photocurrent density of 3.81 mA/cm2. This activity enhancement was due to the shifting of the optical band gap in the visible region with the increase in absorption intensity. Moreover, the activity is further affected by the growth of uniform and homogeneous structures onto the photoanodes. The morphology of the films and size of crystallites change by varying amounts of Mn into the ZnO films. Overall, this work demonstrates that Zn1−xMnxO has a significant potential for PEC water splitting with further tailoring of their electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report synthesis of novel organotin(IV) carboxylates i.e; [(C6H5)3Sn(C10H14NO3)] B1 and [(C4H9)3Sn(C10H14NO3)] B2 by reacting triphenyltin hydroxide and bis(tributyltin) oxide with as‐prepared ligand 3‐cyclohexylcarbamoyl‐acrylic acid A under inert atmosphere. The as‐synthesized complexes were characterized by elemental analysis (CHNS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR) and mass spectrometry (EI‐MS). The structures of both as‐prepared tin complexes B1 and B2 were determined by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. Thermogravimetric analysis has shown single step decomposition of both these complexes. The as‐prepared complexes were used as single source precursor for the deposition of tin oxide thin films at 350 °C and 400 °C by aerosol assisted chemical deposition (AACVD) on bare and at 400 °C on carbon nanodots pre‐coated glass substrate. The as‐deposited thin films were characterized by powdered X‐rays diffraction (pXRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM) and energy dispersive X‐rays spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, antimicrobial, anti‐oxidant and cytotoxicity studies of both complexes showed moderate to good biological activities. Thus, as‐prepared novel complexes have potential applications in materials as‐well as in medicinal chemistry. We report the synthesis of organotin(IV) carboxylates i.e; [(C6H5)3Sn(C10H14NO3)] B1 and [(C4H9)3Sn(C10H14NO3)] B2 by reacting triphenyltin hydroxide and bis(tributyltin) oxide with as‐prepared ligand 3‐cyclohexylcarbamoyl‐acrylic acid under inert atmosphere, respectively.The complexes were used successfully as single source precursor (SSP) to deposit tin oxide thin films. The bioactivity of these complexes was also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New complexes with the general formula [M(S2CNn Bu2)2 ] [where M = CdII (1) and ZnII (2)] were synthesized and used as single source precursors to deposit thin films of cadmium sulfide and zinc sulfide by the aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique. The single crystal X-ray structures of 1 and 2 are also reported. Ther mogravimetric analysis of 1 and 2 showed that both precursors decompose cleanly in a single step to produce their respective metal sulfides. The deposition of thin films was carried out on soda glass substrates in the 350{450 ° C temperature range under inert conditions. The as-deposited thin films were characterized by powdered X-ray diraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Thin films of CdS deposited at low temperature (350 ° C) consist of densely packed granular crystallites with an average size of ca. 150 nm, while at higher temperatures (400 and 450 ° C) particles with varying sizes and mixed morphologies are observed. The ZnS thin films deposited at 400 ° C showed rod-like structures, whereas dense globular-like structures were obtained at 450 ° C. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis was performed to study the chemical composition of the thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of new ligands, N,N-diethyl- N′-(1-naphthoyl)thiourea ( 1a) and N,N-dipropyl- N′-(1-naphthoyl)thiourea ( 1b), and their complexes with copper, bis[ N, N-diethyl- N′-(1-naphthoyl)thioureato]CuII ( 2a) and bis[ N, N-dipropyl- N′-(1-naphthoyl)thioureato]CuII ( 2b). All four compounds (i.e., 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b) were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. The structures of compounds 1a, 1b, and 2b were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis of 2a and 2b showed that both compounds decompose between 190 and 370 °C. Compounds 2a and 2b were then used as single-molecular precursors for the deposition of copper sulfide thin films through aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The phase and purity of the as-deposited thin films were confirmed by powdered X-ray diffraction, which showed that the as-grown films were composed of the orthorhombic (Cu7S4) phase only. Morphological studies of the as-deposited films were performed by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The elemental composition of the thin films was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low temperature growth of crystalline PbS films has been achieved on plastic substrates by CVD using a xanthate. The possible mechanism involved in this low temperature deposition has been probed by density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe for the first time the use of a single source precursor to deposit thin films and nanocrystals of palladium selenide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we present an effective and facile approach for deposition of zinc oxide, and nickel incorporated zinc oxide thin films to fabricate photoanode of photoelectrochemical cell. Incorporation of Ni2+ in the host ZnO matrix results in the dramatic shape evolution of the resulting films from simple bullet like structures to complex punch like microstructures with increased estimated electrochemically active surface area. In addition to the role of Ni2+ in structure determination, it significantly enhanced the photoelectrochemical performance by improving the charge transport properties and conductivity of the parent host matrix. This work demonstrates a move towards tailoring functional properties of the films via controlled incorporation of different ionic species. This simple incorporation scheme can further be applied to attain a variety of compositionally tunable unique structures for desired applications by judiciously adjusting precursor choices and manipulating relative concentrations of the incorporated precursors during growth. Unlabelled Image • Highly conformal uniform thin film deposition on glass/FTO substrates demonstrated by AACVD • ZnO thin films doped with Ni2+ in 2%, 5%, 10% and 15% by AACVD successfully deposited • Photoanodes were then fabricated and PEC activity was performed. • Photoanode (15% nickel incorporated @ZnO) showed highest PEC activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of low-cost, durable and efficient photocatalyst for overall photoelectrochemical water splitting is in demand to overcome the renewable energy crises. Herein, we demonstrate the efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting by cobalt (Co) incorporated zinc oxide (Zn 1-x Co x O) thin films deposited via aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) technique. The as-deposited Co incorporated ZnO thin films were characterised by powdered X-ray diffraction (pXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). These films with different concentration of cobalt were investigated for water splitting applications and the best results were achieved for the films with 15% Co incorporation. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous efforts have been made to investigate, synthesize, and employ renewable energy as a replacement for fossil fuels, which have caused severe environmental degradation. Hydrogen and oxygen can be produced from water molecules using photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which has attracted a lot of interest because of its potential to help solve the energy crisis and reduce environmental impacts. In this work, fabrication of Bi doped ZnO photoanodes and subsequently their efficiency is being reported. The results show that incorporation of Bi was found to generate additional energy levels, which improved visible light absorption. Bi-incorporated ZnO photoelectrodes showed improved water-splitting performance in PEC tests when compared to those using pure ZnO. The 15% Bi-incorporated ZnO achieved a photocurrent density of 2.70 mA/cm2 at 0.85 V versus RHE, which was quite greater as compared to pure (0.11 mA/cm2), which was supported by the condensed band gap and complex morphology of Bi-incorporated ZnO. In addition, when compared to pure ZnO photoelectrodes, Bi-incorporated ZnO photoelectrodes exhibited maximum stability, which is indicative of superior PEC performance. • Bi doped wurtzite photoanodes fabrication and efficiency reported. • Bi incorporation generates additional energy levels, improving visible light absorption. • Improved water-splitting performance in PEC tests with Bi-incorporated ZnO compared to pure ZnO. • 15% Bi-incorporated ZnO achieved greater photocurrent density than pure ZnO. • Bi-incorporated ZnO photoanodes exhibited maximum stability and superior PEC performance compared to pure ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new complex, tris (selenobenzoato)antimony(III) has been synthesized by a facile route and the structure determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The complex was used as a single source precursor to synthesize Sb 2 Se 3 nanorods by the hot injection method whereas Sb 2 Se 3 thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the Aerosol Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition (AACVD) technique. The as synthesized nanorods and thin films were then characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Raman and UV/Vis spectroscopy. AACVD of the complex produced highly crystalline and pure Sb 2 Se 3 thin films between 400 and 500 °C. The shape of Sb 2 Se 3 crystallites are generally in the form of wires or thin plates, sometimes forming leaf-like structures uniformly spread on the entire substrate. The size and shape of these crystallites with their stoichiometry was found to be dependent on the deposition temperature. Sb 2 Se 3 nanorods were tested for photo-electrochemical (PEC) water reduction catalysis. When simulated solar light was illuminated at the Sb 2 Se 3 /FTO surface, cathodic photocurrents were generated for H 2 generation. At open circuit potential (OCP) photo-cathodic current generated with the Sb 2 Se 3 /FTO electrode was in the range of −44.8 to −52.1 μA·cm −2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid perovskite have shown a potential as structurally and chemically tunable materials with interesting optical properties. Herein, We describe the synthesis and characterization of two new perovskites, hydroxyl ammonium lead iodo chloride, OHNH3PbI2Cl (1) and hydroxyl ammonium lead chloride, OHNH3PbCl3 (2) by wet-chemical route. The as-prepared (1) and (2) have shown promising optical properties with suitable band gaps 3.7eV and 3.9eV respectvely. Time resolved Photoluminescence (PL) results showed that hybride pervoskite (2) had a long lived PL whereas (1) exhibited a short PL life-time. Thermo-gravimetrical analysis (TGA) in nitrogen gas environment revealed that (1) and (2) are stable and do not show any sign of decomposition up to ~200oC. Photocatalytical performance of as-prepared materials (1) and (2) under sunlight were mointerted using textile dye direct yellow. The compound (1) degraded dye in 20min while (2) in 55min with superior recyclablity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a facile approach to prepare nanostructures of all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr 2 I by the wet chemical and aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) methods using oleylamine (OLA) as a shape modifier. This study explores the role of OLA during the formation of nanosquares via both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report the results of deposition of PbS thin films using single molecular precursor, bis ( O -isobutylxanthato)lead(II), in the presence of additives namely: sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween and Triton x-100, via aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). The as-deposited PbS thin films are highly crystalline and exhibited superior adhesion to glass substrates. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of pure cubic phase of PbS. Thin films deposited using 0.4 mM Triton X-100 as additive resulted in wire like structures while 0.8 mM Triton X-100 deposited thin films comprised of predominantly shoe shaped structures. Further, increase in concentration (1.2 mM) of Triton X-100 deposited films having rod like morphology. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that in the presence of SDS, thin films consist of spherical shaped crystallites. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray photon electron microscopy (XPS) of as-deposited PbS thin films was used to study chemical composition of thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the synthesis and characterization (multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, carbon–hydrogen–nitrogen–sulfur analyzer, atomic absorption spectrometry and thermogravimetric analysis) of a single source organometallic precursor namely 1-acetyl-3-(4-ferrocenylphenyl)selenourea for the fabrication of iron selenide (FeSe) films on glass substrates using aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD). The changes in the morphologies of the films have been monitored by the use of two different surfactants i.e. triton X-100 and tetraoctylphosphonium bromide during AACVD. The role of surfactant has been evaluated by examining the interaction of the surfactants with the precursor by using UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The fabricated FeSe films have been characterized with powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pb–Cu heterobimetallic precursor complex 1, Pb2(OAc)4(μ-O)3Cu6(dmae)4Cl4 ·(C7H8)·1.7(H2O) [dmae= N,N-dimethylaminoethanolate ((CH3)2NCH2CH2O¯), OAc=acetate (CH3COO¯)] was synthesized through a simple chemical route and crystallized in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The precursor was characterized by its melting point, elemental composition, FT-IR, MS and by X-ray single crystal structure determination. Thin films were deposited by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition on a glass substrate and characterized for adhesion, SEM/EDX and XRD. These studies reveal it to be a suitable precursor for the deposition of Cu–PbO ceramic composite thin films at a relatively low temperature of 450°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]