A novel route to Pt-Bi2O3 composite thin films and their application in photo-reduction of water

► Synthesis of a new single-source precursor [Bi(dbm)3]2 to bismuth oxide. ► Its use for the deposition of Bi2O3 thin films via AACVD. ► Use of H2PtCl6·6H2O for the deposition of platinum nanoparticles via AACVD. ► Co-deposition of H2PtCl6 and [Bi(dbm)3]2 to deposit composite Pt-Bi2O3 thin films. ► The use of composite Pt-Bi2O3 thin films for water reduction.