Applications of group 15 ternary chalcohalide nanomaterials

Abstract Nanomaterials of the group 15 ternary chalcohalides (i.e., in the old notation: AVBVICVII compounds, where AV = Bi, Sb, As; BVI = S, Se, Te, O; CVII = I, Br, Cl, F) contain ferroelectric semiconductors that have a large number of interesting properties. These properties are the base of many applications. In this review, the following types of nanodevices fabricated with the group 15 ternary chalcohalides nanomaterials are summarized: gas nanosensors (i.e., xerogel devices and single nanowire devices), optoelectronic nanodevices (i.e., photodetectors, photovoltaic cells, and photonic crystals), piezoelectric nanogenerators, and ionizing radiation detectors. The processing of nanowires into devices is presented as one of the more important factors deciding about features of the presented nanodevices. The applications of the group 15 ternary chalcohalides nanomaterials as sonocatalysts and photocatalysts are reviewed, too. Examples of the degradation of organic compounds using the mentioned catalysts are described. The growing interest in using the mentioned class of nanomaterials as toxic and therapeutic products is presented.