Hexagonal SnS2 Research Articles

Lead-free Polymer Composite Film for Photon Energy Influenced Piezoelectric Nanogenerator based on Photoactive SnS2

Piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) can power microelectronics, which convert weak mechanical vibrations to electrical impulses; however, low output voltage and poor mechanical durability limit PENG use. Thus, we provide photoactive SnS2 nanofillers in a PVDF matrix for piezoelectric nanogenerators (PPENGs). Raman spectroscopy demonstrates improvement of the electroactive β-phase of PVDF due to adding photoactive hexagonal SnS2 nanoparticles with a band gap of 2.4 eV. Sandwiching the PVDF-SnS2 composite between ITO-coated substrates with silver paste contacts fabricated the PPENG. The open-circuit voltage of PPENG is 24.4 V in the dark and 72.9 V under illumination with a short-circuit current of 0.75 μA, showing its outstanding photo responsiveness. The high light absorption of SnS2 and PVDF-SnS2 interfacial polarization caused the improved response. High-performance optoelectronic and energy harvesting applications may employ this photoactive piezoelectric nanogenerator development technique.

Effect of Size Tuning of Hexagonal SnS2 Nanosheet on the Efficiency of Photocatalytic Degradation Processes.

Recent research on SnS2 materials aims to enhance their photocatalytic efficiency for water pollution remediation through doping and constructing heterojunctions. These methods face challenges in cost-effectiveness and practical scalability. This study synthesizes hexagonal SnS2 nanosheets of various sizes via a hydrothermal method, assessing their performance in degrading methyl orange (MO) and reducing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The results show that smaller SnS2 nanosheets exhibit higher photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight. Specifically, 50mg of small-sized nanosheets degraded 100ml of MO (10 mgL-1) in 30min and reduced Cr(VI) (10 mgL-1) in 105min. The enhanced performance is attributed to: i) an energy bandgap of 2.17eV suitable for visible light, and ii) more surface sulfur (S) vacancies in smaller nanosheets, which create electronic states near the Fermi level, reducing electron-hole recombination. This study offers a straightforward strategy for improving 2D materials like SnS2.

Enhanced reversible reaction of hexagonal SnS2@rGO as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries: Analysis of the morphological change mechanism

Tin-based materials have attracted attention as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and alloy metal characteristics. However, the structure tends to easily collapse with repetitive charging and discharging processes, leading to volume expansion. The conversion step in the SnS2 reaction mechanism is also sometimes considered irreversible. To address these challenges, this study synthesized layered hexagonal 2D structure-type SnS2 using the oleylamine as surfactant through a wet chemical process. Subsequently, SnS2@rGO was synthesized after compounding with reduced graphene oxide (rGO), utilizing a smaller amount of nanomaterials compared to rGO, showing optimal efficiency. The morphological changes in SnS2 and SnS2@rGO during the charging and discharging processes was revealed that pulverization occurred more slowly in SnS2@rGO compared to SnS2. We quantified the volume expansion rates of SnS2 and SnS2@rGO electrodes, demonstrating that rGO effectively reduces volume expansion. Additionally, an analysis of lithiation mechanism through a comprehensive analysis method using CV, ex-situ XRD, and ex-situ TEM demonstrated that SnS2@rGO enhanced Li+ storage characteristics compared to SnS2, resulting in more reversible chemical changes. rGO and bare SnS2 show poor capacities 307.23 mAh/g and 87.17 mAh/g after 120 cycles, respectively. However bare SnS2 anchored on the surface of rGO exhibits increased electrical conductivity and improved performance (711 mAh/g after 120 cycles), confirming that rGO plays an important role. SnS2@rGO showed enhanced cycling stability and discharge capacity as shown in the electrochemical testing.

2D nanosheet SnS2 solution-processed photoanodes: Unveiling enhanced visible light absorption for solar fuels applications

The scale-up of photoelectrochemical water splitting and CO2 reduction is currently hindered by the excessive band gap of metal oxide photoanodes. Metal sulfides 2D nanostructured morphology offer improved optoelectronic properties and catalytic capabilities in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study demonstrates for the first time visible spectra absorption capabilities of SnxSy photoanodes, fabricated by facile non-vacuum techniques and post-annealed in a sulfur atmosphere, yielding SnS2 multilayer nanosheets with visible-light absorption down to 900 nm wavelengths. Optimal annealing (500 °C) resulted in >1 V photovoltages, photocurrents surpassing 1.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23VRHE, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 75% at 330 nm. Photon conversion in the 500–900 nm range (down to 1.37 eV) is correlated with phase transformation from orthorhombic α-SnS to Sn2S3 and further hexagonal SnS2. IPCE is key for describing effective phase transformation and photon conversion at wavelengths below the dominant direct band gap for the SnS2, suggesting potential indirect transitions or confinement in the low-dimensional nanosheets. SnS2 nanosheets fabricated by solution-processed means, hold great potential for large-scale, cost-effective, and efficient photoelectrochemical devices.

Tailoring tin sulfide electrocatalyst with petroleum coke derived reduced graphene oxide for overall water splitting

Metal chalcogenides like Tin sulfide (SnS2) presents as viable alternative electrocatalysts for alkaline water splitting (AWS) due to their huge abundance, stability, and environment friendly nature. However, insufficient exposed active sites and poor conductivity severely impede its large-scale applications. In this work, an in-situ hybridization of hexagonal SnS2 with intercalation of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (TS-rGOx) overcomes the problem of SnS2 stacking. It further enhances the interlayer spacing thereby boosting the number of active sites. The resulting TS-rGOx exhibited excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activities demanding low overpotential of 313 mV and 196.2 mV at 20 mA/cm2 with long term durability upto 60 h, which can be attributed to enhanced interlayer spacing of SnS2, abundant active sites and higher conductivity resulting from the in-situ hybridization and intercalation of rGO nanosheets. This work opens a prospect towards the design and application of efficient SnS2 based heterostructuredelectrocatalystfor AWS.

Influence of Cu doping on the functionality of spray coated SnS2 thin films and its photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibacterial activity

Tin sulfide (SnS2) is a material known for its effective photocatalytic activity due to its affordability and wide light spectrum response. To enhance and optimize its optical and chemical characteristics, doping is a straightforward approach that can improve its photocatalytic efficiency. This work focuses on the effect of Cu doping on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the thin films prepared by the spray-coating approach. XRD confirms the hexagonal SnS2 structure. As the amount of Cu added increases, the crystallite size decreases while dislocation density rises. The XPS findings show that a low concentration of copper (2%) within the SnS2 thin films exhibits both high solubility and exclusively a monovalent state, in contrast to the 4% concentration. The effective band gap is in the range of 1.9–2.2 eV. SEM image reveals a variety of morphologies, and the porosity is reduced with increasing Cu doping. Furthermore, the FTIR study confirms the Sn-S bond present at 753 cm−1. EPR studies reveal the existence of sulfur vacancies in Cu-doped SnS2. Mechanical properties were also affected, with an observed decrease in microhardness as the dopant concentration increased. The photocatalytic activity of the samples is studied by photocatalytic degradation of malachite green and Congo red dyes under visible light irradiation. Additionally, their antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli was examined. This study shows that an optimal amount of Cu doping can significantly increase the photocatalytic performance of SnS2 for efficiently decomposing organic pollutants and enhancing antibacterial activities.

Temperature controlled phase selective facile synthesis of tin sulfides and their electrochemical HER activity

Tin sulfide based semiconductors act as a promising candidate in photo/electro catalysis and solar cell applications owing to its suitable band gap and environment friendly nature. In this article we demonstrate a one-step synthesis of tin sulfides (SnS, SnS2, Sn2S3) via facile gas–solid reaction method. XRD, SEM and XPS analysis were carried out to characterize the samples for phase formation, morphology and valence states of the elements respectively. Bulk layered SnS and Sn2S3 micro-rods were obtained at the operating temperature of 700 °C and 600 °C respectively. Hexagonal nanoplate SnS2 was also obtained as a minor product during the synthesis of SnS. Furthermore, the electrocatalytic HER activity of the ballmilled SnS and Sn2S3 samples showed a considerable reduction in the overpotential of 171 mV and 126 mV respectively. The enhanced HER activity is attributed to the exposed catalytic active sites of the ballmilled samples.

Synthesizing of SnS2 photocatalyst from SnO2 powders by thermal sulfurization with varying temperature (400 °C and 500 °C) and time

SnS2 from SnO2 powders was successfully produced by the thermal sulfurization method to obtain pure SnS2 powders by varying the sulfurization temperature and time. XRD analysis confirmed pure hexagonal SnS2 powders at 400 and 500 °C after 24 h of sulfurization. Grain size analysis in SEM indicated that the average grain size of powders synthesized at 400 °C and 500 °C were 1 and 11 μm, respectively. The band gap values of the obtained powders at 400 and 500 °C was determined by UV–vis spectroscopy as 2.26 eV and 2.24 eV, respectively. The photoelectrochemical analysis of the SnS2 photoelectrode produced at 500 °C revealed a flat band potential of −0.50 V, a charge carrier density of 1.49 × 1020 cm −3 and photocurrent density of 2.5 μA/cm2 at 0 V vs SCE. These results indicated that SnS2 synthesized for the first time by the thermal sulfurization technique from SnO2, which was a simple and cheap technique, was a promising candidate to be used as a photocatalysts.

Oxygen defect rich Bi2S3/SnS2/Bi-self doped Bi2W2O9 multijunction photocatalyst for enhanced degradation of methyl parathion and H2 evolution

In this study, a facile in situ co-assembly technique is developed for one pot fabrication of Bi2S3/SnS2/Bi2W2O9 multijunction photocatalyst. Initially, Aurivillius phase Bi2W2O9 with nanoplate morphology is prepared by combustion synthesis route. The hydrothermal co-deposition of SnS2 and Bi2S3 phase led to the formation of the ternary composite photocatalyst. During hydrothermal treatment, substantial microstructural reorganization of the BWO phase occurred resulting in exfoliation of the nanoplates to high aspect ratio nanosheets followed by substitution of Bi5+ ions in the [W2O7]2- bilayer of the BWO structure. The Bi-self doping phenomena also resulted in creation of oxygen vacancy in the BWO lattice. Morphological investigations revealed intimate interfacial contact among hexagonal SnS2 nanoplates, Bi2S3 nanorods and Bi-doped Bi2W2O9 nanosheets. The oxygen vacancy (OV) and Bi self-doping endow improved photoelectrochemical properties and enhanced photocatalytic activity towards methyl parathion photodegradation (kapp = 0.013 min−1) and hydrogen evolution (0.92 mmolg-1h−1). The optimal BS15BWO photocatalyst exhibited nearly 13 and 32 times higher photocatalytic activity for methyl parathion photodegradation and H2 evolution reaction in comparison to the pure components. The robust generation of •OH and •O2− radicals and improved charge channelization through a type-I conjugated dual S-scheme electron migration mechanism accounted for the improved photocatalytic activity of the ternary composite.

Promote the electrocatalytic activity through the assembly of hexagonal SnS2/C sphere nanocomposite for determination of the immunosuppressant drug azathioprine in biological samples

In modernized eras, enhanced growth of transplantation and the use of drugs are high. However, the overuse of immunosuppressant drugs is hazardous to human health. In particular, long-term use of azathioprine (ATN) causes heavy side effects on human health, therefore nanomolar detection and determination of ATN are essential. Herein, an efficient electrocatalyst of hexagonal tin sulfide incorporated carbon sphere (SnS2/C) nanocomposite was prepared by using the temperature and pressure maintained hydrothermal method. The prepared electrocatalyst was successfully characterized by using various spectra and microscopic techniques. The SnS2/C/GCE exhibits the well-resolved ATN reduction peak in the CV experiments, due to the synergetic effect between the hexagonal SnS2 and C sphere. In addition, SnS2/C/GCE exhibits two linear ranges of (0.001 – 104.7 µM and 121.8 – 1275 µM) and the low detection limit of 5.7 nM along with the higher sensitivity (0.4325 µA µM−1 cm−2). In addition to that, the constructed sensor delivers notable repeatability, reproducibility, and superior selectivity with the existence of metal ions, biological molecules, and nitro compounds, enabling the electrochemical detection of ATN. The fabricated, SnS2/C/GCE sensor was successfully applied to the real-time determination of ATN in biological human urine and blood serum samples with good recovery results. Based on this, SnS2/C is a portable electrocatalyst for sensing ATN for biological and clinical purposes.

Role of Alkylamines in Tuning the Morphology and Optical Properties of SnS2 Nanoparticles Synthesized by via Facile Thermal Decomposition Approach.

The present study reported the synthesis of SnS2 nanoparticles by using a thermal decomposition approach using tin chloride and thioacetamide in diphenyl ether at 200 °C over 60 min. SnS2 nanoparticles with novel morphologies were prepared by the use of different alkylamines (namely, octylamine (OCA), dodecylamine (DDA), and oleylamine (OLA)), and their role during the synthesis was explored in detail. The synthesized SnS2 nanostructures were characterized using an array of analytical techniques. The XRD results confirmed the formation of hexagonal SnS2, and the crystallite size varied from 6.1 nm to 19.0 nm and from 2.5 to 8.8 nm for (100) and (011) reflections, respectively. The functional group and thermal analysis confirmed the presence of organics on the surface of nanoparticles. The FE-SEM results revealed nanoparticles, nanoplates, and flakes assembled into flower-like morphologies when dodecylamine, octylamine, and oleylamine were used as capping agents, respectively. The analysis of optical properties showed the variation in the bandgap and the concentration of surface defects on the SnS2 nanoparticles. The role of alkylamine as a capping agent was explored and discussed in detail in this paper and the mechanism for the evolution of different morphologies of SnS2 nanoparticles was also proposed.

Novel insights into the unique intrinsic sensing essences of 2D tin chalcogenides for ethanol: From hexagonal SnS2 to orthorhombic SnS

Introducing orthorhombic SnS phase into two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal SnS2 crystal to form in-plane heterojunctions has become a promising approach to facilitate the sensitivity of SnS2 towards trace gases. However, its surface sensitization mechanism remains to be exploited in addition to the heterointerface effect. Hence, to dig into it, we explored the surface adsorption of SnS and SnS2 from unique surface electron configurations by combing experimental, computational and bionic approaches. Taking ethanol vapor as the target gas, orthorhombic SnS shows rapid detection of trace ethanol with a sub-ppm level at room temperature (RT). In contrast, hexagonal SnS2 is more suitable for detecting ethanol vapor with much higher concentrations (above 50 ppm). First-principles calculations and porcupine quill models further reveal that unlike the inactive symmetry of electrons on SnS2 surface, the rotational symmetry breaking of the stereochemically-active SnS surface leads to the oriented rearrangement of its surface electrons, which greatly facilitates the adsorption of trace ethanol molecules on SnS. On these basis, we renew the design concept of SnS–SnS2 in-plane heterostructures. This work reveals the structure-property relationship between the crystalline structures and gas-sensitive characteristics of 2D tin chalcogenides from a brand-new perspective, and helps the design and research of novel lateral heterostructures.

N-type SnS2 thin films spray-coated from transparent molecular ink as a non-toxic buffer layer for solar photovoltaics

This paper reports the effect of solvent evaporation temperature on spray-coated tin disulfide (SnS2) thin films from molecular ink. Thiourea and tin chloride were the key chemical reagents used for the synthesis of SnS2 transparent ink under atmospheric conditions. The structural and compositional properties of SnS2 thin films revealed formation of pristine hexagonal SnS2. The films are smooth, homogeneous resulting in band gaps ranging from 2 to 2.22 eV suited for a Cd-free alternative buffer layer for Cu-based multicomponent solar cells. Thermoelectric power measurement showed that tin disulfide films exhibit n-type conductivity. Activation energy estimated from temperature variation of electrical conductivity measurement varied from 40 to 90 mV. Our results suggest that ink-processed SnS2 can be used as a potential alternative for opto-electronic devices such as thin film solar cell and photodetector devices.

Enhanced field emission behaviour from ethylene glycol mediated synthesis of 2D hexagonal SnS2 disc with nanoparticle decoration

Herein, octahedron and stacked 2D hexagonal disc - like nanostructures of SnS2 were obtained by hydrothermal and ethylene glycol mediated hydrothermal methods, respectively. Attempt has been made to shade light on the plausible growth mechanism. Liquid phase exfoliation followed by centrifugation process leads to presence of tiny single crystalline SnS2 nanoparticles (∼5 nm) on the hexagonal discs over C substrate, characterized by preferred growth along {001} direction. The observed Raman shift and enhanced intensities of A1g and Eg modes infer charge interactions between the SnS2 disc and C substrate. Interestingly, the SnS2-C emitter exhibited superior field emission (FE) behaviour due to the unique morphology, excellent charge transfer, and reduced work function (∼4.1 eV). Here the extraction of large current density of ∼1137 μA/cm2 at an applied field of 3.72 V/μm, with good emission current stability. The present strategy is beneficial to design architectured morphology for multi-functionality.

Heterostructure photoelectrochemical immunosensor based on flower-like refraction structure Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy sensitized 2D hexagonal SnS2 nanoplates for CA242 detection

There is increasing interest in applying photoelectrochemical (PEC) analysis to the detection of biomarkers. However, it is still challenging to construct a stable and sensitive photoelectric analysis platform. The unlabeled immunosensor based on SnS2/Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy was constructed to detect carbohydrate antigen 24−2 (CA242). The hexagonal nanoflake SnS2 was used as the substrate to successfully compound three-dimensional (3D) Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy with a flower-like structure by calcination. Due to the heterojunction formation between SnS2 and Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy, the stepped energy levels formed facilitate electron transport and reduce the recombination of e-/h+ pairs, enhancing photoelectron unidirectional transmission capability. In addition, the 3D flower-like structure of Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy produces light refraction inside the material, resulting in an obvious photocurrent response. By efficiently immobilizing captured antibodies on the SnS2/Cd-ZnIn2.2Sy photoelectrode, a sensitive PEC immunosensor is established to detect CA242 with the detection range of 10−4 U/mL ~ 102 U/mL and the lowest detection limit of 3.06 × 10−5 U/mL. The PEC immunosensor constructed in this work has good repeatability, specificity and stability, indicating great application potential in improving the sensitivity of tumor marker detection.

Electrochemical behaviors in low-cost and environmentally stable SnS2: An alternative cathode with for high-power primary lithium batteries

Thermal batteries are widely used as the power sources in the field of aerospace and military applications, due to their high-power density and long storage life. Compared to the cubic transition metal disulfides, another hexagonal metal disulfide SnS2, is studied as a new cathode of thermal batteries. SnS2 exhibits good environmental and thermal stability, high electronic conductivity, good wettability, as well as high discharge voltage and rate capability. Its working voltage reaches 2.23 V under discharge current of 100 mA cm−2. During the discharge process, three distinct discharge steps are existed at a cut-off voltage of 1.5 V, as described followed: 1) 2SnS2+2Li++2e−=Sn2S3+Li2S; 2) Sn2S3+2Li++2e−=2SnS+Li2S; 3) SnS+2Li++2e−=Sn+Li2S. In conclusions, SnS2 is proved a most promising cathode material for thermal batteries, and can be widely used.

First principles study of SnX2 (X = S, Se) and Janus SnSSe monolayer for thermoelectric applications

Tin-based chalcogenides are of increasing interest for thermoelectric applications owing to their low-cost, earth-abundant, and environmentally friendly nature. This is especially true for 2D materials, in which breaking of the structural symmetry plays a crucial role in tuning the electronic properties. 2D materials present a unique opportunity to manipulate the electronic and thermal properties by transforming a monolayer into a Janus monolayer. In the present work, we have investigated the thermoelectric properties of hexagonal SnS2, SnSe2 monolayer, and Janus SnSSe monolayer. Density functional theoretical calculations points out the hexagonal Janus SnSSe monolayer as a potential high-performing thermoelectric material. Results for the Janus SnSSe monolayer show an ultra-low thermal conductivity originating from the low group velocity of the low-lying optical modes, leading to superior zT values of 0.5 and 3 at 300 K and 700 K for the p-type doping, respectively.

Anchored SnS nanorods based on a carbon-enhanced Nb2CTx three-dimensional nanoflower framework achieve stable, high capacity Na-ion storage

Tin (Sn) and its derivatives have outstanding theoretical capacities; however, the phase transformation and alloying processes of SnSx in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) greatly hinder their application. Compared with hexagonal SnS2, orthorhombic SnS exhibits a better structural stability and a smaller volume expansion, while undergoing a less severe conversion reaction. Thus, it can achieve better sodium-ion storage performance. Herein, we designed a strategy to grow SnS nanorods in situ on a Nb2CTx framework and three-dimensional (3D) carbon-reinforced Nb2CTx/SnS nanorods (C@SnS@Nb2CTx/Nb2O5). With the reducibility of Nb2CTx, hexagonal SnS2 can be transformed into a more stable orthorhombic SnS phase, thereby affording a more stable performance for SIBs. The resulting C@SnS@Nb2CTx/Nb2O5 electrodes exhibited excellent cycle capacities after 100 cycles at 0.1 A·g−1 (∼384 mAh·g−1) and after 1,000 cycles at 1 A·g−1 (∼220 mAh·g−1); they also exhibited excellent stability (73% capacity retention after 1,000 cycles, relative to the tenth cycle at a current density of 1 A·g−1). In addition, to analyze the underlying mechanism of the observed capacity decay in the cycle process, we conducted ex situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and density-functional theory analyses. Thus, we compared and revealed the factors influencing the capacity decline observed during the SnS cycle process.

High-Density Two-Dimensional SnS2 Nanoflake Array on Carbon Paper for Effective Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising strategy to harvest energy from the sun; it utilizes a photoactive material, coupled with a slight electrical input, to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. These generated gases are stored as chemical energy and can later be used as fuels. Among many reported photoactive materials, tin disulfide (SnS2) offers unique advantages due to the earth abundance of tin and its appropriate bandgap. Here, we report the fabrication of high-density two-dimensional vertically aligned SnS2 nanoflakes anchored on a conductive substrate for photoelectrochemical water splitting application. The as-fabricated nanoflakes were carefully studied, where crystalline, hexagonal SnS2 flakes can clearly be observed; their crystal structure has been indexed with the assistance of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. For photoelectrochemical testing, a Solartron potentiostat was used to perform the indicative electrochemistry tests, including linear polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potential static with a light on–off current. A Horiba Hal-320 solar simulator was used as a light source to illuminate the active samples placed in a 0.5 M Na3PO4 aqueous electrolyte. The incident photon to converted electron figure was also calculated and was found to have 2.66% efficiency at zero bias (i.e., spontaneous evolution reaction) and 20.53% efficiency at 1 V bias. This high efficiency is probably due to both the high optical gap of ∼2.4 eV obtained from these 2D nanostructures and their physical structure that maximizes light trapping of the incident source.

Improved nitrogen reduction electroactivity by unique MoS2-SnS2 heterogeneous nanoplates supported on poly(zwitterionic liquids) functionalized polypyrrole/graphene oxide

Unique MoS2-SnS2 heterogeneous nanoplates have successfully in-situ grown on poly(3-(1-vinylimidazolium-3-yl)propane-1-sulfonate) functionalized polypyrrole/ graphene oxide (PVIPS/PPy/GO). PVIPS can attract heptamolybdate ion (Mo7O246−) and Sn4+ as the precursors by the ion-exchange, resulting in the simultaneous growth of 1T’-MoS2 and the berndtite-2T-type hexagonal SnS2 by the interfacial induced effect of PVIPS. The obtained MoS2-SnS2/ PVIPS/PPy/GO can serve as electrocatalysts, exhibiting good NRR performance by the synergistic effect. The semi-conducting SnS2 would limit the surface electron accessibility for suppressing HER process of 1T’-MoS2, while metallic 1T’-MoS2 might efficiently improve the NRR electroactivity of SnS2 by the creation of Mo-Sn-Sn trimer catalytic sites. Otherwise, the irreversible crystal phase transition has taken place during the NRR process. Partial 1T’-MoS2 and SnS2 have electrochemically reacted with N2, and irreversibly converted into Mo2N and SnxNz due to the formation of Mo−N and Sn−N bonding, meanwhile, partial SnS2 has been irreversibly evolved into SnS due to the reduction by the power source in the electrochemical system. It would put forward a new design idea for optimizing the preparation method and electrocatalytic activity of transition metal dichalcogenides.