Effective modulation of optical and photoelectrical properties of SnS₂ hexagonal nanoflakes via Zn incorporation

Tin sulfides are promising materials in the fields of photoelectronics and photovoltaics because of their appropriate energy bands. However, doping in SnS₂ can improve the stability and robustness of this material in potential applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of SnS₂ nanoflakes with Zn doping via simple hydrothermal route. The effect of doping Zn was found to display a huge influence in the structural and crystalline order of as synthesized SnS₂. Their optical properties attest Zn doping of SnS₂ results in reduction of the band gap which benefits strong visible-light absorption. Significantly, enhanced photoresponse was observed with respect to pristine SnS₂. Such enhancement could result in improved electronic conductivity and sensitivity due to Zn doping at appropriate concentration. These excellent performances show that Sn_1−xZn_xS₂ nanoflakes could offer huge potential for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics device applications.