Work

Additive-free hydrothermal synthesis of SnS2 nanostructures and its enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical performance under visible solar light

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tin (IV) sulfide (SnS 2 ) is an inexpensive direct band gap semiconductor and layered structure with great potential in photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications. Among other sulfides of tin ( e.g. , SnS, Sn 2 S 3 etc. ), SnS 2 is thermodynamically more stable than others. However, the development of the cost-effective, high-yield, and additive-free synthesis of SnS 2 nanostructures with enriched photocatalytic properties remains a challenge. Herein, we report the additive-free hydrothermal synthesis of SnS 2 nanosheets in a non-aqueous medium. The nanostructures and film grown on FTO substrate were annealed at 250°C in a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain more compact and highly crystalline nanosheets. The photocatalytic performance of the nanostructures is evaluated by the photo-degradation of Methylene Blue dye under simulated solar light. A 98 % dye degradation is achieved within 60 min under solar visible light with 5 mg/ 50 ml SnS 2 photocatalyst present in the dispersion. The enhanced photocatalytic activities of the annealed SnS 2 nanostructures are attributed to their novel quasi-two-dimensional morphologies and superior semiconducting properties tuned by thermal treatment.

Source: Next Materials

DOI: 10.1016/j.nxmate.2025.100569

Authors: Devanshi Zala, Abhijit Ray

Institution: Pandit Deendayal Energy University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,280