Effective Modulation of Optical and Photoelectrical Properties of SnS(2) Hexagonal Nanoflakes via Zn Incorporation

Tin sulfides are promising materials in the fields of photoelectronics and photovoltaics because of their appropriate energy bands. However, doping in SnS(2) can improve the stability and robustness of this material in potential applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of SnS(2) 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 SnS(2). Their optical properties attest Zn doping of SnS(2) results in reduction of the band gap which benefits strong visible-light absorption. Significantly, enhanced photoresponse was observed with respect to pristine SnS(2). Such enhancement could result in improved electronic conductivity and sensitivity due to Zn doping at appropriate concentration. These excellent performances show that Sn(1−x)Zn(x)S(2) nanoflakes could offer huge potential for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics device applications.