Nanostructure and charge transfer in Bi2S3-TiO2 heterostructures

Interfacial nanostructures in Bi2S3-TiO2 nanorod-nanoparticle heterostructures with a change of coupling mode have been engineered. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visual light absorption spectroscopy. By means of in situ growth of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surfaces of Bi2S3 nanorods in one pot, heterostructures with high-quality interfaces were obtained in which the {105} facet of anatase TiO2 selectively coupled with the {010} facet of orthorhombic Bi2S3 nanorods without any crystal defects, showing the epitaxial relationship of Bi2S3 {011} // TiO2 {101}. By means of a two-step method, TiO2 nanoparticles also could be grown on the {310} facet of the pre-prepared Bi2S3 nanorods to form heterostructures but with interfacial defects. Charge transfer in the interface-different heterostructures was evaluated by photodegradation of methyl orange under visible-light irradiation. The defect-free interfaces favored electron-hole separation and transfer, resulting in improved photocatalytic activity. The current structural characterization and interface engineering should be expanded to other heterostructures when studying the relationship between synthesis, interfacial structure, and photocatalytic or photovoltaic applications.