Bismuth sulfide is valued for its unique physical properties like electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility and concentration, suitable band gap, high X-ray attenuation coefficient, high absorption coefficient and so on, making it suitable for applications in electronics, catalysis, environmental remediation, energy storage, sensors, and biomedical fields. For instance, its semiconducting qualities and high surface area make it effective for processes like adsorption and photocatalysis and suitable band gap, stability, and visible light absorption capabilities, Bi2S3 shows promise for hydrogen generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Furthermore, Bi2S3 can be prepared utilizing controlled temperatures, precursors, and solvents via various synthesis methods, including the sol-gel method, chemical methods and chemical deposition methods. From these techniques, sol-gel method is the most common due to its cost effectiveness and ability to create high-quality materials at low temperatures. Having these as initiative concept, this review offers further studies to improve synthesis processes, optimize characteristics and explore new applications. Therefore, this work suggested that further investigation on Bismuth sulfide is needed to improve its properties for specific uses through doping as well as utilizing different synthesis techniques.
| Published in | World Journal of Materials Science and Technology (Volume 2, Issue 4) |
| DOI | 10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11 |
| Page(s) | 46-53 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Synthesis, Characterization, Application, Properties, Nanoparticles
Properties of Bi2S3 | Applications of Bi2S3 | References |
|---|---|---|
Suitable band gap and optical properties | Photovoltaics material for thin-film solar cells | [27] |
Strong light absorption capabilities in the visible to near-infrared range (1. 3 and 1. 5 eV) | Photodetectors -Infared Photodetectors and photovoltaic applications -photodetector in Imaging and sensing technology | [20, 21] |
Good thermoelectric performance and low thermal conductivity. | Thermoelectric Devices -Thermoelectric generators and coolers -Converting waste heat into electrical energy | [28] |
magnetic properties in doped or nanostructured Bi2S3, | Electronic devices -Leveraged for spintronic applications. | |
Highest coefficient of X-ray attenuation (low cost104 to 105 cm- 1) potential to utilize without leaving any residue in the organisms long time of residence biocompatibility and ability to convert light into heat | Medical applications - tumor or cancer cell distruction, drug delivery and photothermal therapy | [17, 18] |
Acts like a semiconductor, which means it can conduct electricity under certain conditions. -It has a high surface area, making it useful in various applications. Its nanostructured forms display pseudocapacitive properties, allowing for better energy storage capabilities. | Energy storage devices -to enhance charge storage capabilities -used as an electrode material in supercapacitors | [19] |
cost-effective | -Used in Sodium ion battery rather lithium ion battery | [29] |
Absorb heavy and toxic metal ions such as from aqueous solutions due to high surface area and strong attraction to those toxic metals (affinity) for instance laed and arsenal. | Wastewater treatment | |
Photocatalytic activity | Photocatalyst -Breakdown of complex organic molecules into less harmful substances and treating industrial effluents. | [30] |
Non-toxic nature, large surface area, chemical stability, high crystallinity and light absorptivity ability in the visible and near infra-red region of the solar spectrum | Sensing devices -laser detector | [24] [25, 26] |
Photoelectrochemical catalysis which uses sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, making it an effective method for generating clean energy. | Catalysis -Water splitting for hydrogen and oxygen generation | [31] |
possess sites of hydrogen adsorption that can be influenced by properties such as morphology, pore density and particle size | Hydrogen storage -used as energy source to power automobiles | [32] [33] |
Requirements | Sol gel methods of preparing Bi2S3 |
|---|---|
Precursors | -Bismuth acetate (Bi(C2H3O2)3) -Bismuth Nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3.5H2O) and -Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), -Thiourea (C5(NH2)2), -Sodium sulphide (Na2S) [34, 35] . |
Solvents with their uses | Water or alcohol [34, 35] . |
Temperature | At low temperature [34, 35] . |
Advantages | -High purity due to homogeneity at molecular level -reducing processing temperature (reducing energy cost) -control over particle size and morphology by adjusting PH, concentration and drying condition -versatility (used to prepare thin films, powders and bulk materials) -scalability (can be easily scaled up by industrial applications) [34, 35] . |
Disadvantages | -Time consuming due steps like gelation, aging, drying and calcination -Precise control over parameters is required to achieve desired properties, which may complicate the process. - Uniformity and consistency at larger scales can be challenging. -The final product may exhibit high porosity, which can affect its mechanical strength and stability [34, 35] . |
Requirements | Chemical methods of preparing Bi2S3 |
Precursors | -Bismuth acetate (Bi(C2H3O2)3) -Bismuth Nitrate pentahydrate (Bi(NO3)3.5H2O) -Bismuth Cloride (BiCCl3) -Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), -Thiourea (C5(NH2)2), -Sodium sulphide (Na2S) -elemental sulfur (S8) [36] . |
Solvents | -Water or aqueous solution (chemical precipitation) -water under high pressure and temperature (Hydrothermal) - Organic solvents (like ethylene glycol, alcohols, etc)(solvothermal) -Electrolytic solution or aqueous solution (Electrochemical deposition) - Solvent is not applicable; gas-phase process [36] . |
Temperature | At High temperature |
Advantages | -High purity due to controlled reaction environment -Versatility -Scalability (can be scaled up for larger production without significant loss of quality) -control over morphology (control over particle size and morphology by adjusting reaction parameters) -versatility (used to prepare thin films, powders and bulk materials) -scalability (can be easily scaled up by industrial applications) -Rapid synthesis [36] . |
Disadvantages | -High cost (may require expensive equipment and operational costs) -Limited control over crystal size -Environmental concern, toxicity and complexity [36] . |
Requirements | Deposition methods of preparing Bi2S3 |
Precursors | -Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Bismuth chloride (BiCl3), Hydrogen sulfide (H2S and elemental sulfur (S) - Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD): Bismuth tris (ethyl) (Bi(C2H5)3) and dimethyl sulfide ((CH3)2S) -Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD): Solid targets of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3). -Spray Pyrolysis: Aqueous solutions of bismuth nitrate (Bi(NO3)3) and thiourea (CS(NH2)2) or sodium sulfide (Na2S). Electrodeposition: Bismuth salts (Bi(NO3)3) in an electrolyte solution containing sulfide ions from sodium sulfide (Na2S) [37 -39]. |
Solvents | - Solvent is not applicable; gas-phase process (chemical vapor deposition, Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD)). -Solvent is not applicable; uses solid targets and a laser source (Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)). -Water or organic solvents, depending on the precursor solution (Spray Pyrolysis). -water as a solvent (Electrodeposition) [37 -39]. |
Temperature | At High temperature [37 -39]. |
Advantages | Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Produces high-quality thin films with uniform thickness, Suitable for large-area coatings and complex geometries. high purity and excellent crystallinity of the deposited films [37, 38] . |
Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) Allows for precise control over film composition and thickness. Capable of producing high-quality epitaxial layers. | |
Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) Can produce films with excellent stoichiometry and crystalline quality. Allows for the deposition of complex heterostructures [39] . | |
Spray Pyrolysis Cost effective method suitable for large-area coatings. Can be applied to various substrates including flexible ones. | |
Electrodeposition Allows for precise control over film thickness and morphology. Cost-effective and scalable for large-area applications. | |
Disadvantages | Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Requires high temperatures and specialized equipment and the process can be hazardous due to the use of toxic gases [37, 38] . |
Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) High equipment costs and complexity. Requires careful handling of organometallic precursors due to toxicity [38] . | |
Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) Requires vacuum conditions and sophisticated laser equipment. The process can lead to non-uniformity in film thickness [39] | |
Spray Pyrolysis May result in lower film quality compared to other deposition methods. Requires optimization of spray parameters for uniformity. | |
Electrodeposition Requires careful control of electrochemical parameters to avoid defects. Limited to conductive substrates. |
XRD | X-ray Difraction |
SEM | Scaning Electron Microscopy |
PLD | Pulsed Laser Deposition |
CVD | Chemical Vapour Deposition |
AFM | Atomic Force Microscopy |
TEM | Transition Electron Microscopr |
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APA Style
Yirdew, A. (2025). Review on Synthesis, Physical Properties and Applications of Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles for Insight into Its Prominent Multifunction. World Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 2(4), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11
ACS Style
Yirdew, A. Review on Synthesis, Physical Properties and Applications of Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles for Insight into Its Prominent Multifunction. World J. Mater. Sci. Technol. 2025, 2(4), 46-53. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11
AMA Style
Yirdew A. Review on Synthesis, Physical Properties and Applications of Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles for Insight into Its Prominent Multifunction. World J Mater Sci Technol. 2025;2(4):46-53. doi: 10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11
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Download@article{10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11,
author = {Abdi Yirdew},
title = {Review on Synthesis, Physical Properties and Applications of Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles for Insight into Its Prominent Multifunction},
journal = {World Journal of Materials Science and Technology},
volume = {2},
number = {4},
pages = {46-53},
doi = {10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.wjmst.20250204.11},
abstract = {Bismuth sulfide is valued for its unique physical properties like electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility and concentration, suitable band gap, high X-ray attenuation coefficient, high absorption coefficient and so on, making it suitable for applications in electronics, catalysis, environmental remediation, energy storage, sensors, and biomedical fields. For instance, its semiconducting qualities and high surface area make it effective for processes like adsorption and photocatalysis and suitable band gap, stability, and visible light absorption capabilities, Bi2S3 shows promise for hydrogen generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Furthermore, Bi2S3 can be prepared utilizing controlled temperatures, precursors, and solvents via various synthesis methods, including the sol-gel method, chemical methods and chemical deposition methods. From these techniques, sol-gel method is the most common due to its cost effectiveness and ability to create high-quality materials at low temperatures. Having these as initiative concept, this review offers further studies to improve synthesis processes, optimize characteristics and explore new applications. Therefore, this work suggested that further investigation on Bismuth sulfide is needed to improve its properties for specific uses through doping as well as utilizing different synthesis techniques.},
year = {2025}
}
TY - JOUR T1 - Review on Synthesis, Physical Properties and Applications of Bismuth Sulfide Nanoparticles for Insight into Its Prominent Multifunction AU - Abdi Yirdew Y1 - 2025/12/11 PY - 2025 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11 DO - 10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11 T2 - World Journal of Materials Science and Technology JF - World Journal of Materials Science and Technology JO - World Journal of Materials Science and Technology SP - 46 EP - 53 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 3070-1546 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.wjmst.20250204.11 AB - Bismuth sulfide is valued for its unique physical properties like electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility and concentration, suitable band gap, high X-ray attenuation coefficient, high absorption coefficient and so on, making it suitable for applications in electronics, catalysis, environmental remediation, energy storage, sensors, and biomedical fields. For instance, its semiconducting qualities and high surface area make it effective for processes like adsorption and photocatalysis and suitable band gap, stability, and visible light absorption capabilities, Bi2S3 shows promise for hydrogen generation through photocatalytic water splitting. Furthermore, Bi2S3 can be prepared utilizing controlled temperatures, precursors, and solvents via various synthesis methods, including the sol-gel method, chemical methods and chemical deposition methods. From these techniques, sol-gel method is the most common due to its cost effectiveness and ability to create high-quality materials at low temperatures. Having these as initiative concept, this review offers further studies to improve synthesis processes, optimize characteristics and explore new applications. Therefore, this work suggested that further investigation on Bismuth sulfide is needed to improve its properties for specific uses through doping as well as utilizing different synthesis techniques. VL - 2 IS - 4 ER -
Department of Physics, Wollega University, Nekemt, Ethiopia
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