Facile synthesis of novel MoS2@SnO2 hetero-nanoflowers and enhanced photocatalysis and field-emission properties

Abstract

A novel hierarchical MoS₂@SnO₂ hetero-nanoflower was successfully synthesized by a facile, two-step hydrothermal method without using any additives or surfactants. One possible growth mechanism of the hetero-nanostructure was presented in detail based on OH⁻ ion-dependent experimental facts. Due to the formation of the p–n junctions and the increased specific surface area in the composites, an outstanding photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared sample was obtained by monitoring the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB). According to the data, after irradiation for 100 min, the remaining MB in solution is about 26% for MoS₂ nanoflowers and 9.5% for MoS₂@SnO₂ hetero-nanoflowers. Moreover, an excellent field-emission performance was obtained from MoS₂@SnO₂ hetero-nanoflower relative to the pure MoS₂ with the turn-on field decreasing from 4.2 V μm⁻¹ to 3.4 V μm⁻¹ and the threshold field decreasing from 6.2 V μm⁻¹ to 5.2 V μm⁻¹, which is mainly attributed to the increased field-emission points and MoS₂–SnO₂ heterojunction.