Vertically Aligned Graphene-Like SnS₂ Ultrathin Nanosheet Arrays: Excellent Energy Storage, Catalysis, Photoconduction, and Field-Emitting Performances

Abstract

New layered SnS 2 nanosheet arrays consisting of 1–5 atomic layers were synthesized directly on Sn foil as both the tin source and the metal current collector substrates by a simple biomolecule-assisted method. It is found that SnS 2 nanosheets synthesized have excellent photoelectric applications, such as on lithium ion batteries, and photocatalytic, field emission, and photoconductive properties. Cyclic voltammetry and discharge and charge behaviors of the atomic SnS 2 nanosheets were examined, and it shows that the average discharge capacity in 1050 mAh/g is much larger than the theoretical capacity at the 1C rate. The photocatalytic action driven by solar light is quite quick, and the degradation rate of RhB is 90%, only irradiated for 20 min when the content of SnS 2 nanosheets is 0.4 g/L. The response of the SnS 2 device to the incidence UV light is very fast and shows excellent photosensitivity and stability. In addition, field emission properties of SnS 2 nanosheets were also researched, and we found that the turn-on field for SnS 2 is 6.9 V/μm, which lowered ever reported values. The enhanced photoelectric properties are likely to originate in a graphene-like structure. Thus, graphene-like SnS 2 materials are promising candidates in the photoelectric field.