Photoelectrochemical Performance of BiSI/Bi13S18I2 Thin Films Prepared via One-Step Chemical Bath Deposition


Leontyeva X.A. Ivanova N.A. Khussurova G.M. Puzikova D.S. Galeyeva A.K.
November 2025John Wiley and Sons Inc

Electroanalysis
2025#37Issue 11

Thin films of the BiSI/Bi13S18I2 semiconductor compound were synthesized via a simple chemical bath deposition method from solution. The deposition duration significantly affects the morphology, phase composition, and crystallinity of the resulting films. Optimized deposition conditions resulted in homogeneous microstructures with preferred crystallographic orientation and stable chemical composition, as confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. Photoelectrochemical studies demonstrated that both the composition and pH of the electrolyte markedly influence the photocurrent density, charge transfer efficiency at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface, and the incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency. Comparative photoelectrochemical measurements in different electrolytes containing iodide (I−), sulfide (S2−), or their combination revealed the synergistic effect of redox-active species on the interfacial charge dynamics and overall device performance. A maximum photocurrent density of 350 μA/cm2, a charge transfer efficiency of ≈85%, and an incident photon-to-current efficiency of ≈52% were achieved under monochromatic illumination (λ = 465 nm, 10 mW/cm2) in a mixed electrolyte containing 0.05 M KI and 0.05 M Na2S in 0.5 M Na2SO4. These results confirm the promising potential of BiSI thin films as efficient photoanode materials for use in photoelectrochemical cells, visible-light-driven sensors, and other optoelectronic or solar energy conversion devices.

bismuth sulfide iodide , chemical bath deposition method , energy conversion , semiconductor , thin films

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Catalysis and Electrochemistry JSC, D.V. Sokolsky Institute of Fuel, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Center of Physical-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Catalysis and Electrochemistry JSC
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
Center of Physical-Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis

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