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In this study, bismuth sulfide/tin (IV) sulfide (Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2) heterostructure nanocomposites were fabricated to obtain high-performance thermoelectric composite materials. The Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 composites were prepared via solution mixing using a two-step hydrothermal reactor. First, flower-like-shaped Bi 2 S 3 was prepared, after which the as-synthesized Bi 2 S 3 was decorated with SnS 2 nanocomposites. The formation of a unique Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 heterostructure was achieved through a thioacetamide-induced surfactant-assisted reaction process. The thermoelectric power factor of the Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 composites was optimized by controlling their Bi:Sn ratios, and changes in the thermoelectric properties of the composites were investigated by examining the change in their carrier transport properties. The composite achieved a maximum thermoelectric power factor of ~99.7 μW/m·K2 at a Bi:Sn ratio of 1:0.2, which is ~5.1 times larger than that of pristine Bi 2 S 3. This increase in the power factor was ascribed to the fact that the enhanced electrical conductivity outweighs the reduction effect of the Seebeck coefficient. The hetero-structured Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 composite is a promising strategy for realizing high-performance sulfur-based thermoelectric composite materials. [Display omitted] • Bi 2 S 3 /SnS 2 composite were synthesized with simple hydrothermal method. • The heterostructure of composite is confirmed via TEM and XPS analysis. • As the Sn ratios increased, the electrical conductivity of the composite improved. • Resulting thermoelectric composite shown enhanced power factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study on the chemical vapor deposition growth of monocrystalline Bi 2 S 3 nanowires and their applications in near-infrared polarized photodetectors are reported. High-quality Bi 2 S 3 nanowires were obtained with a maximum length of 14 μm and a minimum diameter of 35 nm. A growth model was also developed to explain the morphology change with respect to growth parameters which including precursor temperature, growth time, carrier gas flow rate, and inner tube pressure, leading to a better understanding of their growth mechanism. Photodetectors based on Bi 2 S 3 single nanowires presented remarkable device performance with a responsivity of 4.21 A/W, a specific detectivity of 1.64 × 1010 Jones, an external quantum efficiency of 981.76%, and a photoresponse rate of 12.25 ms under the illumination of an 830 nm laser at room temperature (300 K). Under room temperature conditions, the Bi 2 S 3 single nanowire photodetector also showed high polarization sensitivity to near-infrared light signals with a high dichroic ratio of 1.79. Based on these results, it indicates that Bi 2 S 3 nanowires have a substantial portion of promise for near-infrared polarized photodetectors. • High crystalline quality Bi 2 S 3 nanowires were obtained with a maximum length of 14 μm and a minimum diameter of 35 nm. • A growth model was developed to explain the morphology change with respect to four growth parameters. • The Bi 2 S 3 single nanowire photodetector showed high polarization sensitivity to near-infrared (830 nm) light signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging can be used to reveal the three-dimensional structure of deep tissue with high spatial resolution. However, it cannot reveal molecular or cellular changes, and has great limitations in terms of specificity and sensitivity. Fluorescence imaging technology is one of the main methods used for the study of molecular events in vivo and has important applications in life science research. Therefore, the combination of CT and fluorescence imaging is an ideal dual-modal molecular imaging method, which can provide data on both molecular function and tissue structure, and has important research value. In a previous study, Bi2S3 nanoparticles were wrapped with quantum dots in SiO2 to generate CT and fluorescence imaging. However, this type of probe led to low survival and caused innegligible in vivo toxicity in mice. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new multifunctional probes that demonstrate biocompatibility and safety in vivo. Methods: A polyethylene glycol-phospholipid bilayer structure was used to synthesize hybrid clusters containing hydrophobic Bi2S3 nanoparticles and quantum dots for combined CT/fluorescence imaging. Mean particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential were used to study the stability over an 8-week test period. In vivo CT and fluorescence imaging experiments were performed, and the in vivo safety of the probe was evaluated, using histopathological, biochemical, and blood analyses. Results: The probe distinctly enhanced the CT contrast and had fluorescence imaging capability. In addition, the nanocomposite hybrid clusters showed a longer circulation time (>4 h) than iobitridol. The results also showed that the Bi2S3-QD@DSPE probe had good biocompatibility and safety, and did not affect normal organ functioning. Conclusions: Bi2S3-QD@DSPE hybrid clusters exhibited remarkable performance in CT angiography and fluorescence imaging in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth sulfide (Bi 2 S 3 ) is an attractive potential replacement for lead sulfide (PbS) due to its low toxicity and near infrared absorption spectrum. In this work, we report the photovoltaic characteristics of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and Bi 2 S 3 quantum dots (QDs) sensitized solar cells. The QDs were grown by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The number of cycles was varied in order to optimize the photoconversion efficiency. Using a photovoltaic device with the structure TiO 2 /CdS/ZnS as our reference, we obtained increments in the short circuit current (J sc ) from 7.9 to 9.3 mA/cm 2 , the fill factor (FF) from 41.9 to 53.7%, and the photoconversion efficiency (η) from 1.7% to 2.52% for the configuration TiO 2 /CdS/Bi 2 S 3 /ZnS. This enhancement is explained by an augmented absorption spectral range and a favorable energy level diagram. Electrochemical impedance measurements were performed to better understand the carrier recombination and transport processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitization of nanoporous TiO 2 with Sb 2 S 3 , Bi 2 S 3 , and In 2 S 3 thin films deposited at the room temperature by using the simple and inexpensive SILAR method is presented. Structural, morphological, and optical characterization of thin films prepared by this method were conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The photocurrent response of the thin films was studied with a three electrode photoelectrochemical cell. The influence of the number of deposition cycles on the optical properties of the thin films was investigated, and the structural and morphological studies revealed the formation of polycrystalline thin films with an orthorhombic structure for Sb 2 S 3 and Bi 2 S 3 system, whereas a cubic structure was found for the In 2 S 3 , which had a cluster-like surface morphology and uniform distribution. Optical studies showed that enhancing TiO 2 light absorption in the visible range is possible by the incorporation of antimony, bismuth, and indium sulfides. Photocurrent measurements showed that photons are absorbed by metal sulfide and electrons injected to TiO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon coated flower like Bi 2 S 3 on nickel foam are simply fabricated by a solvothermal synthesis method accompanying with glucose as a precursor of subsequent carbonization. The architectures are directly used as electrodes for electrochemical hydrogen and Li-ion storage. Such architectures display high electrochemical hydrogen storage and the discharging capacity of 165 mAh g −1 is obtained. When used as anode material, the binder free Bi 2 S 3 @C/Ni electrode delivers superior cycling stability and rate capability. Discharge capacity reaches as high as 698 mAh g −1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g −1 . Even at 1000 mA g −1 , the capacity still remains at 510 mAh g −1 after 40 cycles. The superior performance can be ascribed to the unique electrode. The porous electrode gives more reaction sites and accommodates volume change during cycling; while the carbon shell improves electronic conductivity and suppresses particle aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, sensitive and label-free photoelectrochemical assay for monitoring the activity and inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) was presented based on the specific recognition ability of biotinylated Phos-tag for kinase-induced phosphopeptides. When the assembled substrate peptides were phosphorylated by PKA, they could bind specifically to the biotinylated Phos-tag in the presence of Zn 2+ . Then streptavidins could be further captured on the electrode surface through their specific interaction towards biotin, resulting in a significant decrease on the photocurrent of substrate Bi 2 S 3 modified ITO electrode. The decreased photocurrent was proportional to the PKA concentration ranging from 0.05 to 100 unit/mL with a detection limit of 0.017 unit/mL ( S / N = 3). Moreover, this photoelectrochemical method could be also used to quantitative analysis of kinase inhibition. In the light of the inhibitor concentration dependant photocurrent signal, the IC 50 value for ellagic acid and HA-1077 was estimated to be 3.23 and 1.77 μM, respectively. With changing the sequence of substrate peptide, this method could also be applied to detect other kinase activity and inhibitors. Therefore, the developed protocol provides a new and promising platform for assay of kinase activity and its inhibitors with low cost and high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bi 2 S 3 nanorods wrapped by graphene are constructed via hydrothermal strategy. • Bi 2 S 3 @rGO composite exhibits great electrochemical performances for PIBs. • The conversion-alloying dual mechanisms for K-ion storage are investigated. • The physicochemical protection and electrolyte effect boost great electrode stability. Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) have been considered as next generation energy storage device due to abundant and inexpensive resources, and exploring suitable anode materials based on conversion-alloying dual mechanism will promote the fast development of high energy density PIBs. In this work, Bi 2 S 3 nano-rods wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (Bi 2 S 3 @rGO) are regarded as anodes for K-ion storage. The physical encapsulation of graphene and chemical bonding of Bi-O can boost the composite to provide outstanding electrochemical kinetics and structure stability. Furthermore, the electrolyte stabilization effect plays an important role in generating a more robust solid electrolyte interface film and maintaining effectiveness of chemical bonding. It is demonstrated by ex situ TEM that Bi 2 S 3 electrode undergoes a dual electrochemical mechanism of conversion-alloying relied on 12 K-ion diffusion per formula unit (Bi 2 S 3 + 6 K ↔ 2Bi + 3K 2 S, 2Bi + 6 K ↔ 2K 3 Bi). The above desirable features are integrated into the conductive composite for great cycling stability with high-capacity retention of 148.3 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles at 50 mA·g−1. This work will guide the way for the construction of dual mechanism anode and the understanding of K-ion storage principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we present the proof of the concept of the novel strategy to improve the thermoelectric properties of B12S3 based nanostructured bulk materials by blending the metallic nanoinclusions with the semiconductor nanoparticles forming the nanocomposites (NCts). The obtained NCts were composed of B12S3 nanorods (length - 100 nm and width - 10 nm) and Ag nanoparticles (diameter - 2-3 nm) synthesized by the colloidal method. The morphology, phase and chemical composition, electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of NCts were investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), 4-point probes method and static dc-method. This strategy is the perspective way to improve the conversion efficiency of others thermoelectric materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strongly coupled Bi2S3@CNT hybrid is fabricated and exhibits a stable Li‐storage capacity, retaining 405 mAh g−1 over 100 cycles at a rate of 1 A g−1. More importantly, the hybrid demonstrates robust rate capability, delivering 429 and 376 mAh g–1 at high rates of 2 and 5 A g–1, thereby suggesting its great potential for advanced rechargeable battery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The Bi–S–I ternary system is experimentally investigated. [•] The fields of primary crystallization are determined. [•] The projection of the liquidus surface is presented. [•] Partial molar thermodynamic functions of Bi are calculated. [•] Standard integral thermodynamic functions of BiSI and Bi19S27I3 are calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth sulfide (2S3) exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light. We perform first-principles, density-function theory (DFT) calculations of the electronic structure for the 2S3 with native vacancy to facilitate its applications by gaining insight into the role of native defects. We find that the vacancies are effective p-type defects for 2S3, while the vacancies induce an intermediate level appearing in the band gap. Besides one vacancy, the native vacancy defect at other four inequivalent positions in 2S3 leads to a reduction of band gap. Moreover, the change of band gap depends on the position of native vacancy defect. The results indicate that the native defects are the most likely physical cause for the scattered band gaps obtained by experiments. The influence of native vacancy defects on the photocatalytic properties of 2S3 is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The post-deposition treatment by Ar plasma is a viable alternative to enhance the optical, electrical, morphological and structural properties of Bi2S3 semiconductor thin films. [•] The plasma treatment avoids the loss in thickness of the chemically deposited Bi2S3 thin films. [•] The E g values were 1.60eV for the thermally annealed samples and 1.56eV for the Ar plasma treated samples. [•] The highest value obtained for the electrical conductivity was 7.7×10−2 (Ωcm)−1 in plasma treated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanorods were synthesized by a gelatin-assisted green solution process under microwave irradiation. The crystal phase, morphology and optical properties of the as-synthesized Bi2S3 nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. On the basis of the morphological evolution processes, the growth mechanism of the as-synthesized Bi2S3 nanorods was discussed. The as-synthesized Bi2S3 nanorods exhibited a strong excitonic absorbance in UV–vis DRS and a strong emission peak in PL spectrum. The gelatin-assisted synthesis approach under microwave irradiation is green, facile and efficient thus promoting large-scale production and application of Bi2S3 nanorods in photoelectric nanodevice and other fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Layered bismuth sulfide (BiS) has emerged as an important type of Li-storage material due to its high theoretical capacity and intriguing reaction mechanism. The engineering and fabrication of BiS materials with large capacity and stable cyclability via a facile approach is essential, but still remains a great challenge. Herein, we employ a one-pot hydrothermal route to fabricate carbon-coated BiS nanomeshes (BiS/C) as an efficient Li-storage material. The nanomeshes serve as a highly conducting and porous scaffold facilitating electron and ion transport, while the carbon coating layer provides flexible space for efficient reduction of mechanical strain upon electrochemical cycling. Consequently, the fabricated BiS/C exhibits a high and stable capacity delivery in the 0.01-2.5 V region, notably outperforming previously reported BiS materials. It is able to discharge 472 mA·h·g at 120 mA·g over 50 full cycles, and to retain 301 mA·h·g in the 40th cycle at 600 mA·g, demonstrating the potential of BiS as electrode materials for rechargeable batteries. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A universal and effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensing device was fabricated on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode for sensitive and specific detection of subgroup J of avian leukosis virus (ALVs-J) based on a signal-on strategy. Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanorods, with good morphology, high crystallinity and differentiated PEC properties, were selected as the photoelectrochemical species and synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. On the basis of alkaline phosphatase catalytic chemistry to in situ produce ascorbic acid for electron donating, an enhanced photocurrent was obtained. Due to the dependence of the photocurrent signal on the concentration of generated electron donor, an exquisite immunosandwich protocol was successfully constructed for PEC detection of ALVs-J with a linear range from 102.14 to 103.65 TCID50/mL. The detection limit was 102.08 TCID50/mL (S/N=3), and high stability and specificity were obtained. The strategy provides a fast and sensitive method for ALVs-J analysis and opens a general format for future development of PEC immunoanalysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical Bi2S3 hollow spheres have been synthesized by a facile solvothermal process in the presence of sodium tartrate. The hollow spheres are composed of numerous ultrathin nanorods with the average diameter of 15 nm. Based on the time dependent electron microscope observations, the formation mechanism of such hierarchical structures has been proposed as a sodium tartrate directed self-assembled process and oriented attachement mechanism. The morphology and size of the subunits can be controlled by adjusting the amount of sodium tartrate. The Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements suggest that mesopores exist in these hollow spheres. The as-derived Bi2S3 hollow spheres exhibit excellent electrochemical hydrogen storage properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

ABSTRACT Bi2S3 hierarchical columniform structures assembled by nanothorns have been first synthesized by a hydrothermal method through the reaction between bismuth(III) monosalicylate [BiO(C7H5O3)] as the precursor and sodium thiosulfate in H2O at 180 °C without any surfactants. These new Bi2S3 structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis. The influences of the synthetic parameters were discussed, and a possible growth mechanism for the formation of these complex structures was proposed. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoelectric (TE)-based gas sensors have attracted significant attention due to their high selectivity, low power consumption, and minimum maintenance requirements. However, it is challenging to find low-cost, environmentally friendly materials and simple device fabrication processes for large-scale applications. Herein, we report self-powered thermoelectric hydrogen (TEH) sensors based on bismuth sulfide (Bi 2 S 3 ) fabricated from a low-cost Bi 2 S 3 TE layer and platinum (Pt) catalyst. When working at room temperature, the monomorphic-type TEH sensor obtained an output response signal of 42.2 μV with a response time of 17 s at a 3% hydrogen atmosphere. To further improve device performance, we connected the patterned Bi 2 S 3 films in series to increase the Seebeck coefficient to -897 μV K -1 . For comparison, the resulting N tandem-type TEH sensor yielded a distinguished output voltage of 101.4 μV, which was greater than the monomorphic type by a factor of 2.4. Significantly, the response and recovery time of the N-tandem-type TEH sensor to 3% hydrogen were shortened to 14 and 15 s, respectively. This work provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and low-cost strategy for fabricating high-performance TEH sensors by applying low-cost Bi 2 S 3 TE materials.

A simple fabricated Bi 2 S 3 /Zn-GCN/GCE was developed for the detection of NO. [Display omitted] • Nanostructured Bi 2 S 3 incorporated on Zn-GCN via thermal treatment and ultra-sonication. • Bi 2 S 3 /Zn-GCN/GCE exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance towards detection of NO. • It exhibits very low detection limit of 0.007 µM (S/N = 3) with excellent selectivity and stability. • It also demonstrates excellent analytical performance in real-time monitoring applications. In this study, bismuth sulfide nanorods were incorporated on the zinc-doped graphitic carbon nitride (Bi 2 S 3 /Zn-GCN) via thermal and ultrasonication treatment. The developed new electrode material was implemented for the sustainable electrochemical sensing of hazardous nitric oxide (NO). The as-prepared electrocatalyst material was scrutinized using power X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman techniques. Furthermore, the electrode kinetics were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods. Due to its unique electrocatalytic properties such as low charge transfer resistance and high electrochemically active surface area, the composite material shows excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility. The synergistic effect between Bi 2 S 3 nanorods and Zn-GCN sheets (Bi 2 S 3 /Zn-GCN) can effectively accelerate electron transport, extend catalytic active sites, and leading to the remarkable electrochemical performance towards NO sensing. Therefore, the prepared GCE-modified Bi 2 S 3 /Zn-GCN exhibits a very low detection limit (LOD) towards NO of 0.007 µM (S/N = 3) with sensitivity (0.732 µA µM−1 cm−2). Moreover, the practical applicability of the proposed sensor could be a potential candidate for the determination of NO in the human blood serum, lake water, and sausage sample and the obtained results are appreciable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) nanocrystalline thin films exhibit a low band gap, a high absorbance coefficient and good dispersity. In this study, the structural, optical and electrical properties of Bi2S3 nanocrystalline thin films prepared from bismuth chloride (BiCl3) and thiourea (CS(NH2)2) solutions and deposited by a spray pyrolysis method, are investigated as a function of the substrate temperature (T S ). T S has been increased from 140 to 280°C by step of 40°C. Characterizations of the films have been carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, ultra-violet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) spectroscopy and electrical resistivity measurements. These studies reveal that Bi2S3 films consist of nanocrystalline grains. Average grain size was calculated using Debye–Scherrer formula. As T S increases, the grain size of Bi2S3 crystallites increases from 40 to 60nm. In addition, a blue shift of 0.20eV in the optical band gap energy E g , which is in agreement with Slater's model, and a decrease in electrical resistivity from 2.61 to 1.05Ωcm was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hierarchical pinetree like Bi2S3 was synthesized through a facile solvothermal route in the mixture of deionized water and tetrahydrofuran. The phase composition, morphology, and structure of the as-prepared Bi2S3 products were characterized by using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the pinetree like Bi2S3 structures were composed of numerous assembled nanosheets, which had uniform morphology with the mean width and length of about 110 nm and 15 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical property of the obtained pinetree like Bi2S3 was investigated. The pinetree like Bi2S3 presented both the high electrochemical hydrogen storage and electrochemical Li intercalation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical pinetree like Bi2S3 was synthesized through a facile solvothermal route in the mixture of deionized water and tetrahydrofuran. The phase composition, morphology, and structure of the as-prepared Bi2S3 products were characterized by using various techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the pinetree like Bi2S3 structures were composed of numerous assembled nanosheets, which had uniform morphology with the mean width and length of about 110 nm and 15 μm, respectively. Furthermore, the electrochemical property of the obtained pinetree like Bi2S3 was investigated. The pinetree like Bi2S3 presented both the high electrochemical hydrogen storage and electrochemical Li intercalation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, the surfactants were introduced into the solvothermal system to guide the growth and assembly of bismuth sulfide nanorods. The flowerlike architectures assembled from the nanorods were successfully constructed using the sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, while the monodispersed nanorods were harvested with polyethylene glycol 400. Based on the molecular structure of surfactant and the structural characteristic of micelle, the formation mechanisms of final nanostructures were discussed. The spherical micelle of dodecylbenzenesulfonate with outside hydrophilic sulfonic acid groups will act as a template for the radial growth of nanorods. The electrodes based on the Bi2S3 nanostructures were constructed to study their electrochemical hydrogen storage behaviors and the morphology-dependence of the capacity. The electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity keenly responds to the morphology and microstructure of Bi2S3 nanocrystals. In this report, we found that the rough surfaces of nanorods formed through OA process increased the new hydrogen storage sites excepting the acknowledged interstitial pores and interlayers of Bi2S3 crystals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Fabrication of a CdS/Bi2S3 quantum dot (QD) bilayer electrode for solar cells. [•] Electron transfer occurs from CdS to Bi2S3, hole transfer from CdS to S2− electrolyte. [•] Bi2S3 QDs have high intrinsic nanoscale electronic conductivity (0.06Scm−1). [•] Bi2S3 QDs convert thermal energy into current, advantageous for solar cells. [•] PEDOT/S2− interface is chemically reduced, allows facile electron passage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two different phase pure materials (Bi2S3 and Bi2P4O13) have been prepared under different conditions using the same single source precursors. Solvothermal decomposition of the complexes, Bi{S2P(OR)2}3 [where, R=Methyl (Me) (1), Ethyl (Et) (2), n-Propyl (Pr n ) (3) and iso-Propyl (Pr i ) (4)] in ethylene glycol gave orthorhombic bismuth sulfide nanorods, whereas aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) of the same precursors deposited monoclinic bismuth tetraphosphate (Bi2P4O13) thin films on glass substrates. Surface study of the thin films using SEM illustrated the formation of variety of nanoscale morphologies (spherical-, wire-, pendent-, doughnut- and flower-like) at different temperatures. AFM studies were carried out to evaluate quality of the films in terms of uniformity and roughness. Thin films of average roughness as low as 1.4nm were deposited using these precursors. Photoluminescence studies of Bi2P4O13 thin films were also carried out. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical chlorophytum-like Bi2S3 nanostructures are produced successfully on the large scale by a solvothermal method in the mixture of water and tetrahydrofuran. The crystal structure and morphology of the product are determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Time-dependent SEM observations indicate that the structure evolution of Bi2S3 contains self-assembly process and anisotropic growth mechanism. Furthermore, the electrochemical measurements present that the hierarchical Bi2S3 architectures display high electrochemical hydrogen storage and electrochemical Li intercalation performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Well-segregated bismuth sulfide (BiS) nanorods with a high order of crystallinity have been successfully prepared from bismuth(III) monosalicylate [BiO(CHO)] by a simple hydrothermal reaction in HO at 180 °C. Bismuth(III) monosalicylate and thioglycolic acid act as the starting materials. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The powder X-ray diffraction pattern shows the product belongs to the orthorhombic BiS phase. Their UV-Vis spectrum shows the absorbance at 328 nm, with its direct energy band gap of 2.6 eV. Bismuth salicylate, which is known to be a complex, may play a critical role as a precursor and a template for the growth of linear bismuth sulfide nanorods. Finally the influences of the reaction conditions are discussed and a possible mechanism for the formation of BiS nanorods is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline thin films of bismuth sulphide (BiS) of different molarities (0.2-1.0 M) and crystallite sizes (10-19 nm) were deposited on tin chloride-treated glass substrates from an acidic aqueous solution (pH = 2.0) of bismuth nitrate and sodium thiosulfate in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) at a bath temperature of 333 K. Characterization of BiS thin films were carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and optical absorption. Various structural parameters were calculated from the XRD spectra. The average crystallite size and thickness of the BiS thin films have been observed to increase with the increase in molarity. The Optical band gap energy of the films obtained from the absorption spectra was found to decrease from 2.47 to 2.28 eV when the molarity was varied from 0.2 to 1.0 M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to its flexibility and high treatment efficiency, phototherapy is rapidly emerging for treating bacteria-induced diseases, but how to improve the sensitivity of bacteria to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat simultaneously to kill bacteria under mild conditions is still a challenge. Herein, we designed a NIR light catalyst (Bi 2 S 3 - S -nitrosothiol-acetylcholine (BSNA)) by transforming • O 2 - into peroxynitrite in situ , which can enhance the bacterial sensibility to ROS and heat and kill bacteria under a mild temperature. The transformed peroxynitrite in situ possessed a stronger ability to penetrate cell membranes and antioxidant capacity. The BSNA nanoparticles (NPs) inhibited the bacterial glucose metabolic process through down-regulated xerC/xerD expression and disrupted the HSP70/HSP90 secondary structure through nitrifying TYR179. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the designed BSNA and clinical antibiotics increased the antibacterial activity. In the case of tetracycline-class antibiotics, BSNA NPs induced phenolic hydroxyl group structure changes and inhibited the interaction between tetracycline and targeted t-RNA recombinant protein. Besides, BSNA stimulated production of more CD8 + T cells and reduced common complications in peritonitis, which provided immunotherapy activity. The targeted and anti-infective effect of BSNA suggested that we propose a nanotherapeutic strategy to achieve more efficient synergistic therapy under mild temperatures.

Janus heterostructures based on bimetallic nanoparticles have emerged as effective radiosensitizers owing to their radiosensitization capabilities in cancer cells. In this context, this study aims at developing a novel bimetallic nanoradiosensitizer, Bi 2 S 3 -Fe 3 O 4 , to enhance tumor accumulation and promote radiation-induced DNA damage while reducing adverse effects. Due to the presence of both iron oxide and bismuth sulfide metallic nanoparticles in these newly developed nanoparticle, strong radiosensitizing capacity is anticipated through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce DNA damage under X-Ray irradiation. To improve blood circulation time, biocompatibility, colloidal stability, and tuning surface functionalization, the surface of Bi 2 S 3 -Fe 3 O 4 bimetallic nanoparticles was coated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Moreover, to achieve higher cellular uptake and efficient tumor site specificity, folic acid (FA) as a targeting moiety was conjugated onto the bimetallic nanoparticles, termed Bi 2 S 3 @BSA-Fe 3 O 4 -FA. Biocompatibility, safety, radiation-induced DNA damage by ROS activation and generation, and radiosensitizing ability were confirmed via in vitro and in vivo assays. The administration of Bi 2 S 3 @BSA-Fe 3 O 4 -FA in 4T1 breast cancer murine model upon X-ray radiation revealed highly effective tumor eradication without causing any mortality or severe toxicity in healthy tissues. These findings offer compelling evidence for the potential capability of Bi 2 S 3 @BSA-Fe 3 O 4 -FA as an ideal nanoparticle for radiation-induced cancer therapy and open interesting avenues of future research in this area., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest J.C. is a co-founder and shareholder of TargTex S.A., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)