Design of a new process for the stabilization of FeS–Bi2S3 hybrid nanostructure and its application as a field emitter

Abstract

The relentless pursuit for technological advancement has fuelled intensive research into nanoarchitectures as fundamental components of various devices. One-dimensional (1-D) nanomaterials, including nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes, have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive catalytic, optical, and electronic properties. Metal chalcogenides have emerged as promising candidates for diverse applications ranging from sensing devices to solar cells, particularly bismuth sulphide (Bi₂S₃). Bi₂S₃ exhibits unique properties owing to its low work function and anisotropic crystal structure. This work presents a novel approach to synthesize Bi₂S₃ nanorods and decorate them with FeS to form an FeS–Bi₂S₃ heterostructure via a one-step, template-free hydrothermal method. The synthesized nanomaterials are evaluated for their field emission characteristics, which are vital properties for numerous electronic applications. By comparing the field emission behaviour of the pristine Bi₂S₃ and FeS–Bi₂S₃ heterostructures, insights into the impact of hetero-structuring FeS for field emission performances are elucidated. This study presents insights into tailoring the heterostructure of different transition metals with Bi₂S₃ and studying their field emission behaviours.