Facile synthesis of Bi₂S₃ nanowire arrays

Bi₂S₃ nanowire arrays were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope were used to characterize the nanowire arrays. The nanowires are single crystalline with diameters in the range of 30 to 40 nm. The factors that affect the morphologies of the Bi₂S₃ nanowire arrays were studied, and it was found that the reaction time plays a key role in the morphology evolution of the nanowire arrays and thiourea is the optimum sulfur source for the growth of Bi₂S₃ nanowires. Crystalline redissolve recrystalline growth mechanism is proposed for the formation of nanowire arrays.