Revolutionizing energy evolution: SnS-Sn2S3 layered structures as exceptional electrocatalytic materials for H2 and O2 generation

Abstract

In this paper, we prepared the SnS-Sn2S3 layered structure using the in-situ solvothermal method for hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). XRD and HRTEM confirm the successful synthesis of the orthorhombic crystal structure of the SnS-Sn2S3. Further, SEM images demonstrate the layered shape of the SnS-Sn2S3 nanostructure, promoting the formation of more active sites on the surface for better electrocatalytic activities. Interestingly, during OER investigation, the SnS-Sn2S3 catalyst depicts an overpotential of 359 mV (10 mA cm−2) and a Tafel slope of 90.1 mV dec-1. However, during HER investigation, the SnS-Sn2S3 catalyst describes an overpotential of 162 mV (-10 mA cm−2) and a Tafel slope of 107.6 mV dec-1. Moreover, the SnS-Sn2S3 catalyst unveils superb stability for 2.3 h at 10 mA cm−2 for OER and 4.0 h at −10 mA cm−2 for HER. The OER and HER reaction mechanisms were also discussed to explore the kinetics rate of SnS-Sn2S3 catalyst.