SnS_xSe_1–x/Ag Nanosheet Thin Films for Solar Energy Water Splitting

Abstract

Earth-abundant and ecofriendly minerals SnS x Se1–x can be promising candidates for photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells because of their tunable band gaps and high absorption efficiency. Metal nanoparticle-modified SnS x Se1–x enhance the efficiencies of solar energy water splitting. In this paper, SnS x Se1–x nanosheets (NSs) were prepared by a one-pot method and silver (Ag) nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of SnS x Se1–x NSs through a photochemical reduction process. The structural properties of SnS x Se1–x and SnS x Se1–x /Ag NSs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the morphologies of SnS x Se1–x and SnS x Se1–x /Ag NSs. The band gaps of SnS x Se1–x and SnS x Se1–x /Ag NSs were determined using the UV–Vis–NIR spectra. PEC measurements indicated that the photocurrents of SnS x Se1–x thin films increased first and then decreased with the increase of Se. The SnS0.5Se0.5 thin films had the best PEC properties. The modification of Ag nanoparticles enhanced the PEC properties of SnS x Se1–x NSs. The highest photocurrent density of 69.3 μA/cm2 and the incident monochromatic photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 27.9% were obtained.

Tunability in the optoelectrical performance of n-SnS(1−x)Sex thin films for photovoltaic applications

“…The alloy SnSSe has received more attention because its band gap can be easily tuned by the composition between the band gap of SnS and SnSe. [17][18][19][20][21] Thus, the preparation of the SnSSe alloy is interesting from band-gap engineering and optoelectronic points of view.…”

Design Simulation of Chalcogenide Absorber‐Based Heterojunction Solar Cell Yielding Manifold Enhancement in Efficiency

“…[ 25 ] Gong et al demonstrated that the linear change in E g with a decrease in the sulfur content varies from 1.29 to 1.05 eV for SnS 1− x Se x material. [ 26 ] The bandgap [ 26 ] and electron affinity [ 27 ] of SnS 1− x Se x at different sulfur mole fraction can be calculated as follows:…”

“…[25] Gong et al demonstrated that the linear change in E g with a decrease in the sulfur content varies from 1.29 to 1.05 eV for SnS 1Àx Se x material. [26] The bandgap [26] and electron affinity [27] of SnS 1Àx Se x at different sulfur mole fraction can be calculated as follows:…”

CuCoO2/CuO heterostructure: understanding the role of band alignment in selective catalysis for overall water splitting

“…5,6 Consequently, scientists and engineers have devised various strategies to improve light absorption, facilitate charge separation, and enhance the surface activity of materials for hydrogen production via photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water-splitting. These strategies include doping, [7][8][9] morphology control, [10][11][12] and construction of heterostructures. [13][14][15] Among them, the construction of heterostructures has emerged as an important strategy to enhance the performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).…”

“…5,6 Consequently, scientists and engineers have devised various strategies to improve light absorption, facilitate charge separation, and enhance the surface activity of materials for hydrogen production via photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water-splitting. These strategies include doping, 7–9 morphology control, 10–12 and construction of heterostructures. 13–15…”