SnS2 and SnS/SnS2 heterojunction nanosheets prepared by in-situ one-step sulfurization and visible light-assisted electrochemical water splitting properties

Herein, we demonstrated the synthesis of Sn nanoparticles by DC arc plasma technology firstly, then pure SnS bulk, SnS2 and SnS/SnS2 heterojunction nanosheets were prepared by in-situ one-step sulfurization reaction. Compared with pure SnS2, the SnS/SnS2 heterojunction had a higher light absorbance. Furthermore, the visible light-assisted electrochemical water splitting property of SnS/SnS2 heterojunction was determined to be higher than pure sulfides. Owing to the change in structure, the SnS/SnS2 heterojunction displayed an outstanding enhancement in photoelectrochemical properties. The photogenerated carriers in conduction band and valence band of SnS2 which had low carrier mobility will transfer to the conduction band and valence band of SnS which had high carrier mobility, respectively. This study gave insights into sulfides heterojunction nanosheet preparation and provided a detailed way to design high performance materials.