Synthesis and characterization of tin disulfide hexagonal nanoflakes via solvothermal decomposition

Tin disulfide (SnS2) hexagonal flakes with diameters in the range of 50−150nm are synthesized by using SnCl2.2H2O and sodium diethyldithiocabamate as source materials via a solvothermal decomposition route. As-prepared SnS2 hexagonal nanoflakes are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The band gap energy of the SnS2 nanoflakes is measured to be 2.17eV, and the conduction band (CB) and valence band (VB) levels of the SnS2 nanoflakes are calculated to be −4.34eV and −6.55eV respectively, showing them to be suitable for optional and electronic applications.