SnSe Nanoparticles Research Articles

Biocompatible 2D SnSe Nanoflake Employed Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B

AbstractIn this article, we report the results of the photocatalytic effect of the cost effective grown SnSe nanoparticles (NPs), nanoflakes (NFs), nanoflowers (NFLs) on the toxic water contaminant dye of Rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation different duration time. The results showed that for the degradation of 99 %, 96 % and 94 % of the RhB have been occurred in presence of NFs, NFLs, NPs, respectively for the irradiation time of 30 min, 45 min, 65 min, respectively. Before photocatalytic test, the grown SnSe were characterised optically and structurally. The nanoparticles, nano flakes, nanoflowers morphology along with atomic composition of Sn and Se were observed from FESEM images and EDAX analysis. The direct band gap of the NPs, NFs, NFLs was calculated from UV‐VIS spectrum and found to be 1.89 eV, 1.78 eV, 1.7 eV, respectively. The crystal structure showed orthorhombic crystal phase with nanocrystal sizes varies from 22 nm to 31 nm. The Scavenger test in presence of the scavenging elements BQ, IPA, ethanol and EDTA have been discussed. The stability test showed that SnSe NFs is a good and stable catalysis for practical applications. The effect of the NFs, NPs, NFLs on red blood cell showed that all the tested SnSe nanostructures had <2 % hemolysis, suggesting their hemocompatible nature.

Tailoring Stress-Relieved Structure for SnSe Toward High Performance Potassium Ion Batteries.

Metal chalcogenides as an ideal family of anode materials demonstrate a high theoretical specific capacity for potassium ion batteries (PIBs), but the huge volume variance and poor cyclic stability hinder their practical applications. In this study, a design of a stress self-adaptive structure with ultrafine SnSe nanoparticles embedded in carbon nanofiber (SnSe@CNF) via the electrospinning technology is presented. Such an architecture delivers a record high specific capacity (272 mAh g-1 at 50mA g-1) and high-rate performance (125 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1) as a PIB anode. It is decoded that the fundamental understanding for this great performance is that the ultrafine SnSe particles enhance the full utilization of the active material and achieve stress relief as the stored strain energy from cycling is insufficient to drive crack propagation and thus alleviates the intrinsic chemo-mechanical degradation of metal chalcogenides.

Electrochemical performance of Fe-doped SnSe material electrodes for supercapacitors

This paper synthesized Fe-doped SnSe nanoparticles (NPs) through the co-precipitation technique. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the orthorhombic crystal structure of Fe-doped SnSe NPs. The chemical states of Sn, Fe and Se elements were identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX). The galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) was used to measure the power efficiency of Fe-doped SnSe electrodes. The specific capacitance of 1283 F/g at a current density of 5 A/g was obtained using a three-electrode system. Further, the Fe-doped SnSe electrode shows a specific energy (Es) of 64 Whkg−1 at a specific power (Ps) of 1500 Wkg−1, respectively. The Fe-doped SnSe electrode exhibits a capacitance retention of 101 % for 1000 GCD cycles in a two-electrode system. This study confirms that the Fe-doped SnSe electrodes are the substitute and life-lasting electrodes for supercapacitor devices.

X-ray diffraction analysis of orthorhombic SnSe nanoparticles by Williamson–Hall, Halder–Wagner and Size–Strain plot methods

SnSe nanoparticles were synthesized using the sonochemical exfoliation technique, employing SnSe single crystals. Various analysis, including Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-rays-Elemental mapping, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy, Ultra-Violet Diffused Reflectance Spectroscopy-Photoluminescence measurements, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, were conducted to determine the chemical composition, crystalline phase, morphological characteristics, optical properties, vibrational modes, and oxidation states of the synthesized nanoparticles. The XRD peak broadening analysis, specifically employing Williamson–Hall (W-H), Size–Strain Plot (SSP), and Halder–Wagner Method (H-W), was employed to examine particle size and intrinsic strain. Additionally, three models within the W-H method, namely the uniform deformation model (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM), and uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM), were used to investigate physical and microstructural parameters such as strain, stress, and energy density. A comprehensive comparison of the average particle size results obtained from Williamson–Hall, Size–Strain, and Halder–Wagner Methods, along with results from HR-TEM and Particle Size Analysis, was carried out. The comprehensive comparison of results from different techniques adds credibility to the reported findings.

Ultra-stable dendrite-free Na and Li metal anodes enabled by tin selenide host material

Lithium/sodium metal anodes are considered promising candidates to realize high-energy–density batteries because of their high theoretical specific capacity and low potential. However, their cycling stability are hindered by uncontrolled dendrites growth. Herein, SnSe nanoparticles are tightly anchored on the fiber of carbon cloth (CC) to construct SnSe@CC host material in order to control Li/Na nucleation behavior and restrain dendrites growth. It is demonstrated that the alloying product of Li15Sn4/Na15Sn4 with strong metal affinity can provide abundant active nucleation sites, and three-dimensional structure of CC host can significantly decrease the local electric current, thereby guiding homogeneous metal deposition without Li and Na dendrites. Meanwhile, the conversion product of Li2Se/Na2Se will uniformly cover on the surface of metal to serve as ultra-stable solid state interface film. As a result, high-capacity Li metal anode (20 mAh·cm−2) and Na metal anode (10 mAh·cm−2) can work steadily with ultra-long lifespans over 5000 and 6000 h with low overpotentials of 7 mV and 141 mV, respectively. Moreover, the assembled Li and Na metal full batteries exhibit superior electrochemical performances, confirming the practicability of metal anode confined in composite host. Such a strategy of conversion-alloying-type materials as hosts opens up a new path for dendrite-free metal anode electrode.

Simultaneously Enhanced Thermoelectric and Mechanical Performance in SnSe-Based Nanocomposites Produced via Sintering SnSe and KCu7S4 Nanomaterials.

Both thermoelectric and mechanical properties are important to the practical applications of thermoelectric materials. Herein, we develop a strategy for alloying KCu7S4 to improve the dimensionless figure of merit (zT), compressive strength, and Vickers hardness of polycrystalline SnSe. Through chemical synthesis and particle mixing in solutions, powders with SnSe nanoparticles and KCu7S4 nanowires are produced, and the subsequent spark plasma sintering triggers the reaction between the two chalcogenides, resulting in the formation of Cu2SnSe3 nanoparticles and substitution of Cu and S in the SnSe matrix. The composition tuning and secondary phase formation effectively enhance the power factor and diminish the lattice thermal conductivity, leading to a maximum zT of 1.13 at 823 K for the optimal sample, which is improved by 135% over that of SnSe. Simultaneously, the compressive strength and hardness are also enhanced, as exemplified by a high compressive strength of 135 MPa that is enhanced by ∼81% compared to that of SnSe. The current study demonstrates effective composite and composition design toward enhanced thermoelectric and mechanical performance in polycrystalline SnSe.

Planetary Ball Milling and Tailoring of the Optoelectronic Properties of Monophase SnSe Nanoparticles

Planetary Ball Milling and Tailoring of the Optoelectronic Properties of Monophase SnSe Nanoparticles

The features of the solvothermal synthesis of SnSe nanosheets and nanoflowers for supercapacitor applications

In this article, orthorhombic SnSe nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared through hydrothermal method by using Olyelamine and Ethylene glycol solvent named as AN-(OA) and AN-(EG). The SEM and TEM images of the AN-(OA) and AN-(EG) NPs show sheet and flower-like shapes, respectively. The cyclic voltammograms (CV) and Galvanostatic charge/discharge (GCD) studies of AN-(OA) and AN-(EG) electrodes are investigated in 0.5 M of KOH electrolyte. The specific capacitance values calculated through CV curves are 443, 240, 172, 138, 118, 130 and 50 (F/g) of AN-(EG) electrode and 224, 116, 80, 62, 52, 31 and 20 (F/g) of AN-(OA) electrode at the scan rate of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 (mV/s), respectively. Further, the specific capacitance values calculated through GCD curves are 83, 66, 58 and 55 (F/g) of AN-(EG) electrode and 52, 33, 29 and 27 (F/g) of AN-(OA) electrode at the current density of 1, 2, 3 and 5 (A/g), respectively. The morphology plays a critical role in capacitive performance of NPs.

Study of enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue in presence of grown SnSe nanoparticles

Study of enhanced photodegradation of methylene blue in presence of grown SnSe nanoparticles

Synergistic engineering of electronic structure and particle size in SnSe@CNF anode toward high performance potassium ion batteries

SnSe is a promising anode candidate for rechargeable potassium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and natural abundance. However, it suffers from poor rate capability and cyclic stability originating from intrinsically low electronic conductivity, sluggish electrochemical reaction kinetics and accompanied colossal volume change. Herein, Cu-doped SnSe nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon nanofibers (i.e. Sn1-xCuxSe@CNF) are prepared by electrospinning method. Such composite anode achieves modulated electronic structure and high-rate performance for efficient K ion storage. Theoretical calculations indicate that Cu-doping alters the local charge distribution and interlayer binding energy of SnSe, enabling enhanced electronic conductivity and refined SnSe nanoparticles. Furthermore, Cu nanoclusters formed in-situ in the discharging process facilitate the decomposition of K2Se and improves the reversibility of the relevant conversion reaction. Benefiting from the multiple effects of Cu-doping, it delivers a high specific capacity of 292 mAh/g at 0.1 A/g and 143 mAh/g at 5 A/g. This work provides a fundamental understanding of the doping engineering and would help to guide the rational design of conversion/alloying-type anodes.

Optimized crystal orientation for enhanced reaction kinetics and reversibility of SnSe/NC hollow nanospheres towards high-rate and long-term lithium/sodium storage.

The development of anode materials with high theoretical capacity and cycling stability is very important for the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, SnSe/NC hollow nanospheres with different crystal orientations were prepared by regulating the high-temperature selenization of the PDA@SnO2 precursor for lithium/sodium storage. In SnSe/NC hollow nanospheres, the physical buffering and chemical bonding of the nitrogen carbon matrix and SnSe nanoparticles could inhibit volume expansion and polyselenide loss, thus maintaining long-term structural stability. More importantly, electrochemical tests and DFT calculations show that the diffusion energy barrier of Li+/Na+ is significantly reduced at the SnSe (400) rather than the usual (111) facet, which is conducive to the uniformity of ion insertion into SnSe, thus effectively enhancing the reaction kinetics and reversibility of lithium/sodium storage. Therefore, SnSe/NC hollow nanospheres with rich SnSe (400) and good dispersion formed at 550 °C delivered the best reversible specific capacity and rate performance. After a long period of 900 cycles, the capacity retention of lithium/sodium ion batteries is close to 84.88% and 77.05%, respectively. Our findings provide valuable insights into the design of metal selenides for advanced LIBs/SIBs.

Synergistically enhanced K–Se and K–Sn storage reaction in multidimensional carbon structure

K–Sn and K–Se batteries are expected to simultaneously realize synergistic reactions in a single electrode with high capacity and stability of energy storage performance. However, the difficulty of these reactions is realizing the stable storage of K–Sn and the redox reaction of Se in the electrode simultaneously. Therefore, it is expected to design a new electrode structure to solve the above problems. Herein, a multidimensional structure of SnSe is designed with enhanced performance. In this structure, SnSe nanoparticles are co-encapsulated by “inner” 3D graphene aerogel and “outer” nitrogen doped carbon (SnSe/3D RGO@NC). The “outer” nitrogen doped carbon could provide stronger reaction product adsorption affinity as well as improve the potassium energy storage. The “inner” and “outer” carbon materials could synergistically improve the electrical conductivity, promoting the redox kinetics of Se to achieve K–Se energy storage. Ex-situ test results indicate K–Sn reaction and the redox reaction of Se were formed in the electrode. Finally, this electrode provides excellent potassium storage reversibility (312 mAh·g−1 after 350 cycles with 0.016% capacity fading per cycle) and favorable rate (196 mAh·g−1 at 5 A g−1) with K–Sn and K–Se reaction process. This study could provide ideas for structural design to utilize synergistic reactions with enhanced electrochemical performance in individual battery system.

Successful 2D MoS2 nanosheets synthesis with SnSe grid-like nanoparticles: Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation and solar cell applications

Preparing a two-dimensional (2D) lateral heterostructure film with n and p-type materials in the same film with high control distribution remains challenging so far. In this paper, a lateral heterostructure film based on 2D MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) with SnSe nanoparticles (NPs) “ SnSe/MoS2 ” is prepared via a facile one-step electrophoretic deposition method. MoS2 NSs are stacked vertically to form a film while SnSe NPs are incorporated to form nanoparticles of geometric grid-like inside the film. The film structure was confirmed through a scanning electron microscope. Such a heterostructure improves the performance of PEC hydrogen generation due to the fast separation of electron-hole pairs and hindering recombination. The short-circuit current density (JSC), as well as the open circuit voltage (VOC) of heterostructure film, reaches 1.75 mA cm−2 and 0.17 V, respectively, under a visible light illumination of 100 mW cm-2. The produced (Jph) values increase from 0.52 to 1.75 mA cm−2 under a light intensity ranging from 10 to 100 mW.cm−2, respectively. The grid-like structure of the SnSe/MoS2 heterostructure advantages its application for solar cells owing to the important potential difference that ensures the formation of p and n-type materials in the same film. This is the aim of our future work, where a complete synthesis of solar cells with high efficiency will be given, in which the p and n types of materials will face the sunlight directly.

SnSe nanoparticles with the ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity: synthesis and characterization

SnSe nanoparticles with the ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity: synthesis and characterization

Photovoltaic and Supercapacitor performance of SnSe nanoparticles prepared through co-precipitation method

ABSTRACT In this paper, we report Tin Selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles preparation through co-precipitation method and characterised by UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, EDX spectrum, photovoltaic and Supercapacitor performance. XRD patterns indicate that the prepared SnSe nanoparticles exist in the orthorhombic phase. The SEM and TEM image show that nanoparticles exhibit spherical shapes with high agglomeration. The UV-Visible spectrum recorded in the range of 200–800 nm, show peaks at 260 nm, 300 nm, and 350 nm while direct energy bandgap lies between 1.4 eV and 1.8 eV and indirect energy bandgap lies between 1.5 eV to 1.6 eV. The obtained SnSe counter electrodes (CEs) showed good electrocatalytic activity in the redox reaction of the I−/I3−. The Dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) of SnSe with molar ratios (1:1), (2:1), and (3:1) as showed good photovoltaic performances in comparison to platinium (Pt) counter electrode (CE). The higher specific capacitance value 1335 F/g of SnSe (3:1) electrode compare to the SnSe (1:1) and (1:2) electrodes proves the stability of SnSe (3:1) for supercapacitor performance.

Core-shell SnSe@TiO2/C heterostructure high-performance anode for Na-ion batteries

The core-shell SnSe@TiO2/C heterostructure composite with high reactivity, small size, and superior electrochemical performance for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) was synthesized for the first time using a controllable arc-discharge technique. The electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the outstanding mechanical stability of the TiO2 shell can improve the cycling stability, rate capability, and high specific capacity of SnSe. The as-prepared core-shell SnSe@TiO2/C composite combines the benefits of SnSe and TiO2, with SnSe nanoparticles improving ion diffusion kinetics and specific capacity while TiO2 maintains excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, the core-shell heterostructure approach can synergistically reduce volume fluctuation and aggregation of active materials during cycling. At a current density of 1 A/g, the capacity can reach 318 mAh/g, with a steady cycling performance of 1100 cycles. The novel core-shell heterostructure composite is expected to be a promising candidate as an anode material for next-generation high-performance SIBs due to its outstanding electrochemical performance and ease of synthesis for large-scale production.

Carbon black/SnSe composite: a low-cost, high performance counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells

Platinum (Pt) has long been used as the most dominant counter electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Yet, its high price is a challenging factor for realizing the DSSCs practical applications. In this study, we propose a CE that is based on the composite of low-cost carbon black and thin selenide materials We synthesized the SnSe nanoparticles using the facile hydrothermal method and prepared a composite with commercial carbon black nanoparticles. We show that the composite which is used as the CE in TiO2-based DSSCs has a performance comparable to that of Pt CEs. The good performance of the composite is achieved through the adjustment of the CE porosity which utilizes the redox process with the electrolyte. Our best cell with a composite CE showed an efficiency of 5.0% with open circuit voltage of 660 mV, short circuit current density of 12.4 mA/cm2 and fill factor of 62% which was very competitive with traditional Pt CE with 5.7% efficiency.

Passively mode-locked thulium doped fiber laser based on SnSe nanoparticles as a saturable absorber

In this paper, tin selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles (NPs) are employed as a saturable absorber (SA) in a passively mode-locked thulium (Tm)-doped fiber laser for the first time. The mode-locked pulse has a central wavelength of 1963 nm and a 3-dB bandwidth of 4.3 nm. The repetition rate is 24.59 MHz and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the pulse is 1.2 ps. Harmonics from the second order to the eighth order are observed. Our results prove that the SnSe have excellent nonlinear saturable absorption properties and could have wide potential applications on ultrafast photonics in mid-infrared waveband.

Comparison of the photocatalytic performance of S-SnSe/GO and SnSe/S-GO nanocomposites for dye photodegradation

A comparative study between the visible-light photocatalytic activity of S-doped SnSe (S-SnSe)/GO and SnSe/S-doped GO (S-GO) nanocomposites was presented. A faster photocatalytic activity was observed for the SnSe/S-GO nanocomposites. It was understood that the faster photocatalytic activity of SnSe/S-GO nanocomposites was due to the surface of S-GO sheets. Cracked surface of the S-GO caused to formation SnSe nanoparticles (NPs) with an average diameter of 5 nm, while, it was observed a mixed morphology of nanorods (NRs) and NPs for the S-SnSe/GO nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction patterns, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results of the GO and S-GO sheets indicated that the degree of oxidation of S-GO sheets was lower than the pristine GO سا. The photogenerated electron lifetime of the SnSe/S-GO nanocomposites was approximately 630 ns, while, this time was almost 26 ns for the S-SnSe/GO nanocomposites, resulting the photogenerated electron-hole pair (EHP) lifetime for the SnSe/S-rGO nanocomposites was higher.

Electrodeposition of In-doped SnSe nanoparticles films: Correlation of physical characteristics with solar cell performance

The present research aimed to investigate tin selenide (SnSe) nanoparticles films and study effects of indium (In) dopant on their physical properties. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern results confirmed the formation of polycrystalline nature of orthorhombic SnSe. Also, addition of In dopant reduced the size of crystallite and increased the amount of strain in the crystalline lattice. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images showed nanostructures in the form of spherical shapes in nano-dimensions (nanoparticles) on surface of film. Optical studies also indicated the band gap energy in an appropriate range for absorbing sunlight rays. The electrical characteristics indicated an improvement in the electrical conductivity of doped samples compared to the un-doped sample, so that the solar cell efficiency was obtained at 0.36% for the sample with the highest dopant concentrations. The role of In ions was investigated on the photovoltaic properties of samples by examining physical properties.