Solvent Synthesis, Growth Mechanism and Photocatalytic Properties of AgInS2 Nanoplate and Nanoparticle

Orthorhombic AgInS2 nanoplate and nanoparticle were synthesized using pyridine and 1-dodecanethiol as the solvent. The obtained products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), field-emission transmission electron microscope (FETEM), and the possible growth mechanism of AgInS2 was also proposed by the exploration of reaction temperature and time. Meanwhile, the bandgap of AgInS2 was calculated by the UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, and the photocatalytic activity was also investigated. Those experimental results indicate that the reaction temperature, reaction time and solvent have an influence on phase and morphology of AgInS2, and both AgInS2 nanoplate and nanoparticle have some ability on photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under UV-Vis light irradiation.