Alloyed (ZnS)x(CuInS2)(1-x) semiconductor nanorods: synthesis, bandgap tuning and photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Rod-like nanocrystals of the semiconductor alloy (ZnS)(x)(CuInS(2))(1-x) (ZCIS) have been colloidally prepared by using a one-pot non-injection-based synthetic strategy. The ZCIS nanorods crystallize in the hexagonal wurtzite structure and display preferential growth in the direction of the c axis. The bandgap of these quarternary alloyed nanorods can be conveniently tuned by varying the ratio of ZnS to CuInS(2). A non-linear relationship between the bandgap and the alloy composition is observed. The ZCIS nanorods are found to exhibit promising photocatalytic behaviour in visible-light-driven degradation of Rhodamine B.