Effective Modulation of Optical and Photoelectrical Properties of SnS2 Hexagonal Nanoflakes via Zn Incorporation

Abstract

Tin sulfides are promising materials in the fields of photoelectronics and photovoltaics because of their appropriate energy bands. However, doping in SnS2 can improve the stability and robustness of this material in potential applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of SnS2 nanoflakes with Zn doping via simple hydrothermal route. The effect of doping Zn was found to display a huge influence in the structural and crystalline order of as synthesized SnS2. Their optical properties attest Zn doping of SnS2 results in reduction of the band gap which benefits strong visible-light absorption. Significantly, enhanced photoresponse was observed with respect to pristine SnS2. Such enhancement could result in improved electronic conductivity and sensitivity due to Zn doping at appropriate concentration. These excellent performances show that Sn1-xZnxS2 nanoflakes could offer huge potential for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics device applications.