Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the in situ formation of a type-II ZnO/ZnS heterostructure via the thermal oxidation of a ZnS(001) single crystal under a clean controlled oxygen atmosphere. By combining X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we investigated the chemical composition, electronic structure, and surface morphology of the resulting interface. Core-level shifts observed in our XPS measurements suggest an upward band-bending due to the formation of a hybrid interface. AFM measurements show that ZnO grows through a layer-plus-island mode, forming distorted hexagonal nanoislands. Our band alignment analysis confirms the type-II heterostructure arrangement with suitable electronic band-edge positions for efficient charge separation, highlighting its potential as a platform for photocatalytic applications, such as hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER).
Authors: P. R. A. de Oliveira, I. Coelho, G. Felix, P. Venezuela, F. Stavale
Language: English
Topic: ZnO doping and properties
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4415311907