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

Recently there has been immense interest in the exploration of richly available two-dimensional non-toxic layered material such as tin disulfide (SnS ) for potential employment in energy and environmental needs. In this regard, we report on the synthesis of few-layered Sn Mg S 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 Mg S were initially found to exhibit a strong influence on their physicochemical properties. Their optical properties attest the Mg doping in SnS 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 Mg S . 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 Mg S made photoanodes displayed 1.7 fold higher photocurrent density under simulated solar radiation with respect to their undoped counterpart. Furthermore, the layered Sn Mg S nanosheets exhibits enhanced visible light decomposition of organic dye while compared with pristine SnS nanosheets. The value of rate constants obtained for the Sn Mg S nanosheets was found to be 1.4 times higher than that of pristine SnS . Finally, the results obtained through the present study projects the huge potential of layered Sn Mg S nanosheets for future multifunctional applications.