Strategies and perspectives of tailored SnS2 photocatalyst for solar driven energy applications

Abstract

The solar radiation is considered as an ultimate energy source to resolve the crisis regarding energy insufficiency. The hydrogen (H-2) production from water splitting is being utilized as a direct approach for solar energy conversion. Also, the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons i.e., CO, CH4, HCOOH, and CH3OH are discussed. Recently, Tin disulfide (SnS2) photocatalyst has gained incredible attention because of its unique properties such as suitable narrow bandgap (2.0-2.3 eV), greater stability, non-toxic, photocorrosion resistance, and negative conduction band potential (-0.52 eV). The specific designing and modification of composition, crystal structure, size, and thickness, holds outstanding potential for employing them as vital components for photocatalysis. The electronic and optical properties were also discussed along with their potential practical applications. Also, the mechanistic insights of variant strategies i.e., type-II, ASS Z-scheme, direct Z-scheme, and novel Step-scheme (S-scheme) are given. These employed strategies display a better charge separation route, broader absorption, and reduced recombination rate. Finally, prospects and outlooks are mentioned based on their current development to represent new aspects for further enhancement for SnS2-based water splitting and CO2 reduction.