Sb ₂ (S,Se) ₃ -Mediated One-Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of Sb ₂ S ₃ Nanorod Arrays for Photovoltaic Applications

Benefiting from the unique ribbon-like structure, vertically aligned Sb2S3 nanorod arrays (NRAs) are anticipated to exhibit efficient charge transport along the covalently bonded (hk1)-oriented (Sb4S6)n ribbons. Consequently, achieving the controlled growth of Sb2S3 thin films featuring such vertically aligned NRAs is highly desirable but remains a significant practical challenge. In this study, we developed a one-step hydrothermal method to grow vertically aligned Sb2S3 NRAs, where thiourea (TU) and sodium selenosulfate (Na2SeSO3) were employed to engineer the crystallographic orientation, while cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was used to mediate the nanorod morphology. The effects of key process parameters─including the deposition temperature, deposition time, and CdCl2 concentration─on the morphology, crystal structure, and optoelectronic properties of the NRAs were systematically investigated. This approach enabled the controllable preparation of high (hk1)-oriented Sb2S3 NRAs with a highly ordered alignment and uniform size distribution. The optimized NRAs were successfully integrated into a fully inorganic Sb2S3 solar cell. This work provides a robust experimental foundation for subsequent research on Sb2S3 NRA fabrication and its implementation in functional devices.