Novel single source precursor for synthesis of Sb2Se3 nanorods and deposition of thin films by AACVD: Photo-electrochemical study for water reduction catalysis.

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]