Evidencing enhanced charge-transfer with superior photocatalytic degradation and photoelectrochemical water splitting in Mg modified few-layered SnS2.

Recently there has been immense interest in the exploration of richly available two-dimensional non-toxic layered material such as tin disulfide (SnS2) for potential employment in energy and environmental needs. In this regard, we report on the synthesis of few-layered Sn1-xMgxS2 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 Sn1-xMgxS2 were initially found to exhibit a strong influence on their physicochemical properties. Their optical properties attest the Mg doping in SnS2 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 Sn1-xMgxS2. 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 Sn0.98Mg0.02S2 made photoanodes displayed 1.7 fold higher photocurrent density under simulated solar radiation with respect to their undoped counterpart. Furthermore, the layered Sn0.98Mg0.02S2 nanosheets exhibits enhanced visible light decomposition of organic dye while compared with pristine SnS2 nanosheets. The value of rate constants obtained for the Sn0.98Mg0.02S2 nanosheets was found to be 1.4 times higher than that of pristine SnS2. Finally, the results obtained through the present study projects the huge potential of layered Sn0.98Mg0.02S2 nanosheets for future multifunctional applications.