Controlled strategy to synthesize SnO2 decorated SnS2 nanosheets with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity

Novel SnO2 nanoparticle-decorated SnS2 nanosheets were synthesized via a one-pot solvothermal process using SnCl4·5H2O and CH4N2S as precursors. SnS2@SnO2 nanosheets were characterized by XRD, TEM, FESEM, XPS and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The band-gap of SnO2@SnS2 can be easily tuned by the controlled experimental strategy. Anisole and ethanol with different volume ratios were used as binary solvent to tune the composition of SnS2@SnO2 nanocomposites (NCs) continuously and the composites gradually change from hexagonal SnS2 into tetragonal SnO2. All of the SnS2@SnO2 nanosheets exhibited enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity, which was remarkably superior to SnS2, SnO2 and Degussa P-25. The obtained SnS2@SnO2 NCs with Vethanol/Vanisole = 1 : 2 showed the best photocatalytic capability. Furthermore, the formation mechanism of SnS2@SnO2 nanosheets has also been discussed.