Structure and magnetic properties of Mn-doped SnS2 nanopowders prepared by hydrothermal method

In recent years, layered metal dichalcogenides (LMDs) have drawn extensive attention in fundamental research field due to their unique electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. In addition, magnetic two-dimensional LMDs are considered as a promising candidate for the next-generation spintronic devices. The nonmagnetic property of common SnS2 nanopowders has hampered its applications in spintronics. Doping is an effective way to change the intrinsic properties of non-magnetic semiconductor materials. Pure SnS2 and Mn-doped SnS2 were prepared by the hydrothermal method. In this study, undoped SnS2 has diamagnetism, which is caused by lattice fluctuation. The magnetic property of SnS2 was obviously enhanced after doped with a small amount of Mn2+. The results of VSM investigation showed the enhanced paramagnetism of Mn-doped SnS2 and weak ferromagnetism as well. It was deduced that the joint effect of the intralayered and interlayered Mn atoms led to the changes in the magnetic properties. Although the magnetism of the samples has been enhanced, the XRD patterns indicated that the crystal structure had not been changed by doping. This work suggested that Mn-doped SnS2 has potential applications in spintronic devices.