Structural and optical properties of the grown nanostructure of SnS2 for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

This study delves into the structural and optical properties of SnS2 nanostructures, highlighting their potential for enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light. The research focuses on the synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles using a simple and cost-effective wet chemical precipitation method, resulting in various morphologies and sizes. The structural properties, analyzed through X-ray diffraction, reveal a hexagonal unit cell structure with different crystallite sizes. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showcase the diverse morphologies, including spherical nanomatrices, fern leaf-shaped nanomatrices, and kadamba flower-type matrices. Optical properties, investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, demonstrate the quantum confinement effect and the formation of nanostructures with varying band gap energies. The study also explores the photoluminescence spectrum and time-resolved fluorescence, highlighting the presence of surface states and defects responsible for the photocatalytic effect. The photocatalytic activity of the SnS2 nanoparticles is evaluated through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light irradiation. The results show a remarkable degradation efficiency of up to 99.5% within 85 minutes, with the nanostructured SnS2 of S6h exhibiting the best performance. The stability and reusability of the photocatalyst are confirmed through multiple cycles, making it a promising candidate for water purification applications. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of SnS2 nanostructures, offering valuable insights into their potential for environmental remediation.