SnS2 nanoparticles by liquid phase laser ablation: Effects of laser fluence, temperature and post irradiation on morphology and hydrogen evolution reaction

Among the two-dimensional chalcogenides, SnS2 has received much attention due to its environment friendly constituent elements, layered structure and unique structural dependent properties. Liquid phase laser ablation is a green and versatile nanoparticle synthesis method to produce nanoparticles of metals, oxides and semiconducting materials. SnS2 nanoparticles were synthesized by laser ablation in liquid using an Nd:YAG pulsed laser in acetone and isopropanol, and the effect of laser fluence on the nanoparticle size and morphology is reported. Influence of liquid medium temperature and post irradiation on SnS2 nanoparticles are studied in dimethyl formamide. Spherical morphology and hexagonal crystal structure of the particles were identified by transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman analysis were used for further confirmation of the structure, elemental composition, chemical states and crystalline nature of the nanoparticles. Optical properties of the nanocolloids were determined by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of SnS2 nanoparticles produced by pulsed laser ablation in liquid is reported for the first time. Reliable HER activity of the particles is attributed to the ligand-free pure nanoparticle surface as well as their spherical morphology. HER activity of the nanoparticles increased significantly upon illumination of the working electrode using a UV LED owing to the generation of charge carriers. The study could be beneficial towards development of new electrocatalysts for HER from non-toxic and earth abundant semiconducting nanomaterials.