Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Doped Bismuth Sulphide Using Single Source Precursor and its Electrocatalytic Activity on Oxidation of Hydrazine

Abstract

A methodology is developed on synthesis of silver doped bismuth sulphide (AgBiS₂) nanoparticles via a single source approach using bismuth diethyldithiocarbamate as the sulfur precursor under reflux condition in presence of hexadecylamine. Here the long chain acted as both capping agent as well as shape directing agent. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized by analytical methods such as DRS UV-Visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. A flower like shaped AgBiS₂ was observed from field emission scanning electron microscopy studies and the cubic shape crystalline structure was confirmed from XRD analysis. The electrochemical behaviour of the system was investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry method on electrochemical oxidation of hydrazine at different pH ranges and concentrations. An enhanced oxidation current was obtained in neutral pH ranges. A linear calibration graph was constructed by plotting the increasing peak current against the concentration of hydrazine. From the calibration graph, unknown concentration of hydrazine present in various water sources can be calculated. The proposed method can be employed for the routine determination of hydrazine at trace level using AgBiS₂ as electron transfer mediator.