Evidencing enhanced charge-transfer with superior photocatalytic degradation and photoelectrochemical water splitting in Mg modified few-layered SnS 2

G. Mohan Kumar, H. D. Cho, P. Ilanchezhiyan, C. Siva, V. Ganesh, Sh Yuldashev, A. Madhan Kumar, T. W. Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recently there has been immense interest in the exploration of richly available two-dimensional non-toxic layered material such as tin disulfide (SnS 2 ) for potential employment in energy and environmental needs. In this regard, we report on the synthesis of few-layered Sn 1−x Mg x S 2 nanosheets through a facile one-step hydrothermal route to address all such functions concerning photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical conversion. The crystalline order and structure of processed layered Sn 1−x Mg x S 2 were initially found to exhibit a strong influence on their physicochemical properties. Their optical properties attest the Mg doping in SnS 2 to benefit us with enhanced visible-light absorption via red-shift in their absorption edge. In the photoluminescence spectrum the emissions observed along visible and red region signifies the association of Mg related trap states in Sn 1−x Mg x S 2 . Next, the photocurrent and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic results revealed the Mg doping to promote the effective charge transfer process (which was beneficial to enhance their photocatalytic activity). Consequently, the layered Sn 0.98 Mg 0.02 S 2 made photoanodes displayed 1.7 fold higher photocurrent density under simulated solar radiation with respect to their undoped counterpart. Furthermore, the layered Sn 0.98 Mg 0.02 S 2 nanosheets exhibits enhanced visible light decomposition of organic dye while compared with pristine SnS 2 nanosheets. The value of rate constants obtained for the Sn 0.98 Mg 0.02 S 2 nanosheets was found to be 1.4 times higher than that of pristine SnS 2 . Finally, the results obtained through the present study projects the huge potential of layered Sn 0.98 Mg 0.02 S 2 nanosheets for future multifunctional applications.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)476-485
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume540
DOIs
StatePublished - 22 Mar 2019

Keywords

  • Few-layered
  • Magnesium
  • Nanosheets
  • Photocatalysis
  • Photoelectrochemical water splitting
  • SnS

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Evidencing enhanced charge-transfer with superior photocatalytic degradation and photoelectrochemical water splitting in Mg modified few-layered SnS 2'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this