Helical bowl-like SnS2 with structure-induced conversion efficiency for enhanced photothermal therapy

•Helical bowl-like SnS2 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method.•L-cysteine plays a key role in construction of helical bowl-like structure.•Helical bowl-like structure promotes photothermal conversion efficiency (57.8%).•Helical bowl-like SnS2 exhibits good photothermal effect in vitro and in vivo.